JP7628025B2 - Gameplay video distribution system and gameplay video viewing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gameplay video distribution system that distributes gameplay video of a distributor to a viewer terminal.

Technology for live video distribution is known that allows viewers (viewing users) to send communication information, such as by commenting on a video to praise the video or support the distributor (distributor), or by providing monetary rewards to the distributor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, the provision of rewards from viewers to distributors is called "tipping," or "gifts," after the donations from spectators to street performers. Hereinafter, this term will be used collectively to refer to "tipping."

This tipping system gives streamers an income according to the amount of tipping they put in, which has the effect of encouraging further streaming. For viewers, it also brings joy to self-expression, as they publicly express their will and position to other viewers through praise and support, and is expected to have the effect of livening up the atmosphere by inviting more tips.

JP 2019-74789 A

However, the system itself for viewer actions such as tipping was nothing particularly special and not very interesting.
The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a technology that brings about new interest by utilizing viewer actions, such as tipping, that viewers make in response to a broadcaster's broadcast.

The first invention for solving the above problem is a gameplay video distribution system that distributes gameplay video of a distributor to each viewer terminal, comprising: a reception control means (e.g., the reception control unit 243 in FIG. 14) that receives viewer actions from the viewer through the viewer terminal; a response process execution control means (e.g., the response process execution control unit 251 in FIG. 14) that executes, as a viewer action response process corresponding to a given viewer action, at least one of the following: 1) control to apply presentation control based on the action content of the viewer action to the viewer screen of the gameplay video, or 2) support process for the distributor based on the action content of the viewer action; and a reception timing at which the viewer action is accepted by the reception control means, and the action content of the viewer action. and a viewer action storage control means (e.g., the transmission status storage control unit 245 in FIG. 14) that controls the correspondence and storage of the viewer action and the viewer related to the viewer action, and a judgment means (e.g., the judgment unit 249 in FIG. 14) that judges the difference between the game play status of the distributor at the reception timing and the game play status of the distributor at a judgment timing after the reception timing, and the response processing execution control means has a change control means (e.g., the change control unit 253 in FIG. 14) that changes the action content of the viewer action stored by the viewer action storage control means based on the judgment result of the judgment means when the judgment timing arrives, and executes the viewer action response processing based on the changed action content.

According to the first invention, a viewer action by a viewer is accepted while a gameplay video is being distributed. Then, a difference between the gameplay status of the distributor at the time of acceptance and the gameplay status of the distributor at a judgment time after the time of acceptance is judged, and the action content of the viewer action is changed based on the judgment result, and then, a control for applying a production control based on the action content to the viewer screen of the gameplay video, or a cheering process for the distributor based on the action content is executed. According to this, it is possible to apply a production control to the viewer screen with an action content different from that actually performed by the viewer, or to execute a cheering process for the distributor, according to the change in the gameplay status of the distributor from the time of accepting the viewer action to the time of judgment. Therefore, the viewer can enjoy watching the gameplay status of the distributor after performing the viewer action. On the other hand, the cheering process is executed for the distributor based on the action content changed according to the change in the gameplay status of the distributor after the viewer action is executed, rather than the cheering process based on the action content performed by the viewer. Thus, when a gameplay video is distributed, a new interest can be provided by using the viewer action of the viewer.

The second invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the first invention, in which the change control means, when the difference determined by the determination means satisfies a predetermined large difference condition, changes the degree of the action content of the viewer action to a different degree than when the large difference condition is not satisfied.

According to the second invention, for example, when a large difference condition is met, the action content can be changed to a larger extent than when the large difference condition is not met, making it possible to change the content to a different extent.

The third invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the first or second invention, in which the action content is a parameter value indicating the content of the viewer action, and the change control means changes the parameter value based on the determination result of the determination means.

According to the third invention, a parameter value indicating the content of a viewer action is set as the action content. The parameter value of the accepted viewer action can then be changed based on the determination result related to the game play status of the distributor, and performance control based on the changed parameter value or support processing for the distributor based on the parameter value can be executed.

The fourth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the third invention, in which the parameter value is a value indicating a monetary value, and the reception control means has a payment control means (e.g., the billing processing unit 220 in FIG. 14) that makes a payment of a monetary value indicating the content of the action to the viewer related to the viewer action through a predetermined payment means at the reception timing.

According to the fourth invention, a monetary value is set for a viewer action as a parameter value that is the content of the action, and when the viewer action is accepted, the monetary value is paid to the viewer. The monetary value of the accepted viewer action can then be changed based on the result of a determination regarding the gameplay status of the distributor, and performance control based on the changed monetary value or support processing for the distributor based on the monetary value can be executed.

The fifth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the fourth invention, in which the response process execution control means executes the cheering process, as the viewer action response process, to grant the distributor a monetary value or a special benefit based on the monetary value changed by the change control means.

According to the fifth invention, a support process can be executed to grant a monetary value to the distributor based on the changed monetary value. Alternatively, a support process can be executed to grant a special benefit to the distributor based on the changed monetary value.

The sixth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a determination timing determination means (e.g., the determination timing determination unit 247 in FIG. 14) for determining, as the determination timing, when the distributor's gameplay progress has satisfied a given progress condition.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the arrival of the judgment timing can be determined based on the progress of the distributor's game.

The seventh invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a determination timing setting means for setting the determination timing based on a setting operation of the distributor.

According to the seventh invention, the distributor can set the judgment timing.

The eighth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, further comprising an acceptance period setting means for setting an acceptance period by the acceptance control means based on a setting operation by the distributor.

According to the eighth invention, the distributor can set the period during which viewer actions can be accepted from viewers.

The ninth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, in which the viewer action includes a selection by the viewer of a game object that the distributor can use in gameplay, the viewer action storage control means controls to further associate and store the selection, and the change control means changes the content of the action based on whether or not the distributor has used the selected game object between the acceptance timing and the determination timing.

According to the ninth aspect, when a viewer takes a viewer action, the viewer can select and designate a game object that the broadcaster can use in game play. The broadcaster can then change the content of the action, taking into account whether the broadcaster has used the game object in game play after the timing of receiving the viewer action.

The tenth aspect of the present invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in which the change control means changes the action content based on at least one of 1) the type of game object used by the distributor, 2) the way in which the distributor used the game object, and 3) the results of using the game object used.

According to the tenth aspect, when a broadcaster uses a game object selected and specified by a viewer, the content of the action can be changed based on the type, method of use, and results of use.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to either the ninth or tenth aspect of the present invention, in which the change control means changes the action content when the selected game object satisfies a given condition, regardless of whether the determination timing has arrived or not.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, when a game object selected and specified by a viewer satisfies a given condition, it is possible to change the action content without waiting for the arrival of the determination timing.

The twelfth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the ninth to eleventh inventions, in which the change control means changes the action content based on the usage history of the selected and designated game object used by the distributor in the past.

According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, when a viewer selects and designates a game object, the action content can be changed according to the broadcaster's usage history of the game object. For example, it is possible to change the amount of change in the action content depending on whether the broadcaster has used the game object in the past or has used it frequently, or has never used it or has used it only a few times.

The thirteenth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the ninth to twelfth inventions, in which the game object is a player character operated by the distributor or a game item.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, when a viewer takes a viewer action, the viewer can select and designate a player character or game item to be operated by the distributor.

The 14th invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions, further comprising a viewer introduction control means (e.g., the viewer introduction control unit 257 in FIG. 14) that displays, on the viewer screen, introduction information that introduces a viewer whose change amount of the action content changed by the change control means satisfies a predetermined maximum condition.

According to the fourteenth invention, introductory information introducing viewers whose action content has been significantly changed can be displayed on the viewer screen.

The fifteenth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, in which the change control means controls the amount of change to the action content of the viewer action based on the acceptance timing.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, for example, it is possible to change the amount of change in the action content depending on whether a viewer action is received at the beginning of gameplay by the distributor or at any other time.

The 16th invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to the 15th invention, in which the change control means controls the amount of change to the action content of the viewer action based on the number of viewer actions whose acceptance timing satisfies a predetermined concurrency condition.

According to the sixteenth invention, for example, when the number of viewing actions performed at the same time is small, it is possible to make the amount of change in the action content larger than when the number of viewing actions performed at the same time is large.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a user information management means (e.g., the user management unit 210 in FIG. 14) for managing user information for each viewer, and the change control means controls the amount of change in the action content for each viewer based on the user information.

According to the seventeenth invention, the amount of change in the content of a viewer action can be changed depending on the user information of the viewer who performed the action.

The eighteenth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to seventeenth inventions, in which the change control means determines the action content of the viewer action based on whether the distributor satisfies a given condition.

According to the 18th invention, it becomes possible for the distributor to change the content of the action depending on whether or not a given condition is met.

The 19th invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to seventeenth inventions, in which the change control means determines the action content of the viewer action based on whether the distributor pays a fee for changing the action content of the viewer action.

According to the 19th invention, it becomes possible to change the content of an action depending on whether or not the distributor pays the fee.

The twentieth invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to nineteenth inventions, further comprising a bonus-granting control means (e.g., the bonus-granting control unit 255 in FIG. 14) that grants a given bonus to a viewer who is associated with and stored by the viewer action storage control means.

According to the twentieth invention, a privilege can be given to a viewer who has performed a viewer action.

The 21st invention is a gameplay video distribution system according to any one of the first to 20th inventions, in which the response process execution control means executes at least a control to apply a performance control based on the action content to the viewer screen of the gameplay video as the viewer action response process, and includes an archive video management means (e.g., a distribution control unit 241) that manages the distributed gameplay video as archive video, and an archive video distribution means (e.g., an archive video distribution control unit 259 in FIG. 14) that distributes the archive video to the viewer terminal, and edits the archive video based on the execution result of the performance control by the response process execution control means and distributes it to the viewer terminal.

According to the twenty-first invention, distributed gameplay footage can be managed as archived footage and distributed to a viewer terminal as an archive. At that time, the archived footage can be edited and distributed based on the results of the performance control performed in response to the viewer's actions during the initial distribution.

The twenty-second invention is a gameplay video viewing system (e.g., gameplay video viewing system 1000 in FIG. 1) in which a server system (e.g., server system 1100 in FIG. 1) that is a gameplay video distribution system of any one of the first to twenty-first inventions is communicatively connected to the viewer terminal (e.g., viewer terminal 1500 in FIG. 1).

According to the twenty-second invention, a gameplay video viewing system can be realized that has the same effect as any one of the first to twenty-first inventions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a game play video viewing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a viewer terminal. A diagram explaining distribution of gameplay videos. Another diagram illustrating distribution of gameplay videos. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of a viewer screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition related to a tipping execution operation. A schematic diagram showing the flow of the knockout tournament and the principle behind changing the tip amount. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of tip data. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first coefficient. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a second coefficient. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a third coefficient. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a performance control content table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of an introduction screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of tip item definition data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of user management data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of distribution management data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a viewer terminal. 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the server system. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining changes in action content in a modified example.

Below, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

[Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gameplay video viewing system 1000 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the gameplay video viewing system 1000 includes a server system 1100, which is a gameplay video distribution system, and a viewer terminal 1500 owned by a user 2, which are connected to each other via a network N so as to be able to communicate data with each other.

Network N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, network N includes a LAN (Local Area Network) such as a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection or Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has, for example, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and storage 1140, and the main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150.

The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Note that a part or the whole of the control board 1150 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 realizes, by the control board 1150 performing calculations based on a predetermined program and data, (1) a user management function for registering users 2 and managing information about registered users 2, (2) a game provision function for enabling online games to be played on the viewer terminal 1500, (3) a live distribution function for live-streaming and providing gameplay footage of the online game (hereinafter referred to as "gameplay video") to the viewer terminal 1500, and (4) an archive distribution function for archive-streaming and providing gameplay videos that have been live-streamed (already distributed) to the viewer terminal 1500.

To realize each distribution function, the server system 1100 manages a public site for gameplay videos. However, the management of the public site may be configured to use an external video public management server 1200. The video public management server 1200 is an external server for operating and managing an existing video public site (a website that accepts video submissions from an unspecified number of distributors via the Internet, etc., and provides the submitted videos to an unspecified number of viewers in a streaming format). In this case, the server system 1100 communicates with the video public management server 1200 to automatically post the gameplay videos, thereby realizing their publication.

The server system 1100 also realizes, through calculation processing based on a predetermined program and data, (5) a viewer action function that enables a user (hereinafter also referred to as a "viewing user") 2 who is a viewer of a gameplay video being live-streamed to send a "tip" as a given viewer action, and (6) a payment function that enables the payment of the amount sent in association with the sending of the tip.

The viewer action function allows user 2 to send tips in exchange for spending virtual currency equivalent points (hereinafter simply referred to as "currency points"), which are a monetary value that the user possesses. In this embodiment, user 2 sends tips using a tip item 4, as exemplified in FIG. 6 and other figures. Various tip items 4 with different sending amounts are available, and by selecting the item to use for sending and performing the sending operation, a tip of that sending amount can be sent.

When the viewing user 2 sends a tip, which is a viewer action, the server system 1100 executes, as a corresponding viewer action response process, a control (performance control process) for applying performance control based on the action content of the tip to the viewer screen of the gameplay video, and a support process for the user (hereinafter also referred to as the "distributor user") 2 of the distributor (which can also be said to be the poster of the gameplay video) based on the action content of the tip. For this purpose, a sending amount is preset for each tip item 4 as a parameter value indicating the content of the tip using the tip item 4 (i.e., the action content of the tip). In addition, the sending amount and the amount that can be set as the support amount described later are divided into a plurality of price ranges, and the content of the performance control to be applied to the viewer screen in the performance control process is preset for each price range (see the performance control content table 509 in FIG. 12).

The payment function is a function that allows user 2 to purchase currency points, and in response to a request from the viewer terminal 1500, it cooperates with an external electronic payment server 1300 operated by an electronic payment service provider or the like to carry out the currency point purchase procedure (billing process). During the billing process, the electronic payment server 1300 responds to an inquiry from the server system 1100 and performs a process of settling the purchase amount of the currency points with user 2's credit card, prepaid card, or the like. The server system 1100 then grants user 2 currency points equivalent to the purchase amount settled by the electronic payment server 1300.

In FIG. 1, server system 1100 is depicted as a single server device, but multiple server devices connected online may share one or more of the following functions: user management function, game provision function, live distribution function, archive distribution function, viewer action function, and payment function. Server system 1100 may also be configured to include multiple blade servers sharing each function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Multiple independent server devices installed in separate locations may be configured to communicate data over network N, functioning as server system 1100 as a whole.

In addition, in FIG. 1, two viewer terminals 1500 for user 2 are shown, but in actual operation, there will be multiple distributor users (distributor users) 2, each of whom will operate a viewer terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100. Similarly, in actual operation, there will be multiple viewer users (viewing users) 2, each of whom will use a viewer terminal 1500 to access the server system 1100.

The viewer terminal 1500 is a computer system that is used individually by the user 2 to play online games and watch gameplay videos, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1100 via the network N. The viewer terminal 1500 in this embodiment is a device known as a smartphone, but it may also be a portable game device, a tablet computer, a personal computer, etc.

2 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a viewer terminal 1500 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the viewer terminal 1500 is equipped with a directional input key 1502, a home key 1504, a touch panel 1506 that functions as an image display device and a contact position input device, an internal battery 1509, a speaker 1510, a microphone 1512, a camera 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data to a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, etc. that are not shown in the figure are also provided. An IC card reader or the like that can read and write data contactlessly to an IC card type credit card or prepaid card that can be used to pay for playing games, etc. may also be provided.

The control board 1550 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU 1551, a GPU, and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, a wireless communication module 1553 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station or a wireless communication base station connected to the network N, and an interface circuit 1557. The interface circuit 1557 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the home key 1504, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1506, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1510, an audio signal generation circuit for generating an audio signal collected by the microphone 1512, a circuit for inputting image data of an image captured by the camera 1520, and a signal input/output circuit for the memory card reader 1542. Each of these elements mounted on the control board 1550 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received. Note that a part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured with an ASIC, an FPGA, or a SoC.

In this control board 1550, the IC memory 1552 stores a game client program and various setting data required to execute this game client program. The game client program and the like are downloaded from the server system 1100 at an appropriate time. Alternatively, they may be read from a separately obtained storage medium such as a memory card 1540. The CPU 1551 etc. then executes the game client program to perform calculations, and controls each part of the viewer terminal 1500 in response to operational inputs made to the touch panel 1506, directional input keys 1502, and home key 1504, thereby enabling user 2 to play the game.

[About gameplay video distribution]
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, gameplay videos of a distributor user are distributed to viewing users. As described above, the game played by user 2 on viewer terminal 1500 is an online game executed in a client-server system in which server system 1100 serves as a game server.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, information related to the progress of the game and information related to the display of the game screen W1 is generated by the server system 1100 and provided to the viewer terminal 1500 as appropriate. The viewer terminal 1500 functions as a terminal for operation input and game screen display. In other words, the viewer terminal 1500 displays the game screen W1 based on the information provided by the server system 1100, and transmits the operation input information to the server system 1100 one by one. The server system 1100 progresses the game based on the operation input information transmitted from the viewer terminal 1500.

The server system 1100 also generates and stores play data 520 while controlling the progress of the game. The play data 520 is generated for each game play and is constantly updated during play, describing the latest status of the game. For example, one piece of play data 520 stores time-series data (operation input time-series data) 525 of operation input information transmitted from the viewer terminal 1500 during the game, and time-series data (progress time-series data) 526 of progress information indicating the progress of the game at each point in time, together with a game play ID 521, play date and time 522, and a user account 523 of the user playing the game.

Operation input time series data 525 stores operation input information from viewer terminal 1500 (e.g., various information describing the operation input, such as the type, position, direction, amount of operation, force, and input time) in association with time information indicating the time when the operation input was made (e.g., date and time, elapsed time from the start of game play, number of frames drawn on the game screen, etc.). Progress status time series data 526 stores game progress information at each point during the game (e.g., the stage number being played, battle round, win/loss results for each round, type of player character, position and posture of player character, parameter values indicating status, etc.) in association with time information.

The server system 1100 also generates and stores play reproduction data 530 based on the play data 520. The play reproduction data 530 is also generated for each game play. This play reproduction data 530 is a data group that stores various data constituting the play data 520 in chronological order. Therefore, by reading out the data stored in the play reproduction data 530 in chronological order, the original game play can be reproduced. The game play can be reproduced in real time in parallel with the generation of the play reproduction data 530 (in this case, it is a "live" reproduction), or it can be reproduced even after the game play has ended. In the sense of reproduction after the game play has ended, the play reproduction data 530 can also be called "replay data". The server system 1100 generates and stores the play data 520, and also generates and stores the play reproduction data 530 in parallel.

When user 2 is live streaming a gameplay video as a broadcaster (broadcasting user), the server system 1100 generates a gameplay video 10 that reproduces the gameplay as a broadcasting gameplay video 597 (see FIG. 17) based on the gameplay reproduction data 530 related to the gameplay of the user 2, as shown in FIG. 4. The generated gameplay video 10 is then live-streamed to the viewer terminal 1500 of the viewing user (viewing user) 2. In the live stream, the server system 1100 generates and stores archive video 620 (see FIG. 17), which will be described later. When streaming in response to a request from user 2 after the live stream, archive streaming is performed to stream the archive video 620 to the viewer terminal 1500 of the viewing user.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of a viewer screen for viewing gameplay videos distributed as described above. The viewer screen is displayed when a viewing user accesses the public site with a viewer terminal 1500 and selects a gameplay video to view. As shown in Figure 5, the viewer screen includes a gameplay video display section 31 on which the selected gameplay video is displayed, a tip icon 33 for sending a tip, a purchase icon 35 for purchasing currency points, and a sending display section 37 that displays a tip item 4 used to send a tip.

When the tip icon 33 is touched on this viewer screen, the tip item selection screen W41 shown in the upper part of FIG. 6 is popped up. The tip item selection screen W41 displays a list of multiple tip items 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, ...) prepared in advance. Each tip item 4 is displayed in a form in which the transmission amount is written. More specifically, the tip item selection screen W41 displays only tip items 4 (tipping items 4a and 4b in the example of FIG. 6) that the viewing user has and can use because they have currency points equal to or greater than the transmission amount, among the tip items 4 prepared in advance, in a selectable state. For tip items 4 with insufficient balance (tipping item 4c in the example of FIG. 6), the purchase icon 35 is touched on the viewer screen of FIG. 5 to purchase currency points, and the tip item becomes selectable. In this way, when transmitting a tip, the viewing user who transmits the tip is requested to settle the transmission amount through the electronic settlement server 1300.

The tip item selection screen W41 may display all tip items 4 in a selectable state, but when the send execution button B45 described below is selected, the balance may be checked, and if insufficient, the user may be prompted to purchase currency points. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to purchasing currency points for the sending amount before sending a tip, but may allow tip items 4 to be obtained (purchased) in advance in exchange for consuming currency points, and tip items 4 in hand may be used for sending. In that case, for example, when the purchase icon 35 is touched, a sales screen showing a list of tip items 4 for sale is displayed, and they are sold for their respective sending amounts.

When the viewing user wishes to send a tip, the viewing user selects the tip item 4 to be used in the tip item selection screen W41, and touches the Next button B41 to select and specify a character as appropriate. That is, when the Next button B41 is touched on the tip item selection screen W41, the selection specification screen W43 shown in the middle of FIG. 6 is displayed, and a list of characters 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, ...) that can be selected and specified is displayed. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the broadcasting user selects a character to be used (operated) in game play related to the gameplay video to be distributed. The selection specification screen W43 displays a list of characters that can be selected by the broadcasting user at that time (i.e., that the broadcasting user can use in the game) and accepts the selection specification. For example, if the viewing user wishes to select and specify a character that the broadcasting user wants to use in game play, the viewing user selects the character 6 on the selection specification screen W43 and then touches the Next button B43. It is also possible to proceed by touching the Next button B43 without selecting any character (without selecting and specifying).

That is, when the Next button B43 is touched on the selection specification screen W43, a call confirmation screen W45 is displayed as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6. The viewing user performs a call execution operation by touching the Call Execution button B45 on this call confirmation screen W45. Then, in exchange for consuming currency points for the call amount, a tip using the tip item is sent from the viewing user. When a character is selected on the selection specification screen W43, the tip is sent together with the selection and specification of that character. Therefore, while watching the gameplay video displayed on the gameplay video display unit 31, the viewing user can send a tip, including appropriately selecting a character, at a desired timing during the viewing.

Returning to FIG. 5, the outgoing display unit 37 displays the tip items 4 used in the outgoing transmissions in the order of transmission as a history of tip transmissions made by each viewing user who is viewing the live broadcast of the same gameplay video. For example, when a viewing user performs an operation to execute a transmission, the display content of the outgoing display unit 37 scrolls to the left, and the tip item 4 used by that viewing user in that transmission is added to the right end of the outgoing display unit 37. Each tip item 4 is accompanied by the user name of the viewing user who sent the tip, the character selected and designated by that viewing user when sending the tip, etc.

[detail]
In this embodiment, the transmission amount, which is the monetary value of the tip, is changed according to changes in the game play situation of the broadcast user after the tip is transmitted. Then, based on the changed transmission amount, a viewer action response process corresponding to the transmission of the tip is executed.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the game played by the broadcasting user in this embodiment, as well as the principle of changing the tip amount. First, in this embodiment, an example is shown of a case in which the broadcasting user plays a knockout tournament by repeating multiple rounds of a competitive game, and live-streams the gameplay video. The opponent is a computer-controlled character, but a player-to-player match against a character operated by another player may also be performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a knockout tournament consists of, for example, 10 rounds, and if the broadcasting user wins all 10 matches, the game ends with the broadcasting user as the winner. If the broadcasting user loses along the way, he or she is eliminated, and the game ends at that point. Each battle round consists of a character selection step and a battle step, as shown representatively for the second round in the upper part of FIG. 5. Therefore, the broadcasting user can select a character to use (operate) for each battle round. The selection is made by choosing one from a list of selectable characters that is displayed in advance.

Now, let us say that the broadcasting user advances to the 10th round and wins. As shown in FIG. 7, let us say that there is a viewing user M who sends a tip of 1,000 yen during the first round, and a viewing user J who sends a tip of the same amount during the 9th round. First, looking at the tip from viewing user M, when the broadcasting user accepted the tip, he still had zero wins, but by the end of the game, he had 10 wins, so the game play situation has changed significantly. In contrast, in the case of viewing user J's tip, the broadcasting user only won one game from the time of acceptance to the end of the game, so the change in the game play situation is smaller than the former case.

In this embodiment, the amount of each tip is changed based on the difference between the game play status of the broadcasting user at the time when such a tip is accepted and the time when a given progress condition is met, such as at the end of the game (judgment timing; in this example, at the end of the game). In the example of FIG. 7, the tip of viewing user M is changed to a significantly increased amount, while the increase in the amount of the tip of viewing user J is small. Note that the changed amount shown in the figure is an example, and in reality, the support amount is determined according to formula (1) in the change control process described below. Then, as will be described in detail later, the amount of the tip can be decreased. The amount of the tip can also be increased or decreased depending on whether or not a character is selected on the selection specification screen W43.

For this purpose, the server system 1100 performs the following for each gameplay video being live-streamed: an acceptance control process for accepting tips as a viewer action; a transmission status storage control process for managing the sending status of tips; a judgment timing judgment process for judging the arrival of a judgment timing after the acceptance timing at which tips were accepted; a judgment process for judging the difference between the gameplay status of the broadcasting user at the acceptance timing and the gameplay status of the broadcasting user at the judgment timing; a response process execution control process for executing the performance control process and the cheering process described above as a viewer action response process; a reward granting control process for granting rewards to viewing users at the end of the live stream; and a viewer introduction control process for introducing viewing users who have made a large change in the amount of money sent (amount change amount). Then, in the response process execution control process, the server system 1100 performs change control of the amount of money sent based on the judgment result of the judgment process (change control process). Below, each process will be explained by focusing on one gameplay video being live-streamed (hereinafter referred to as the "interesting gameplay video").

1. Reception control process When starting live distribution of a featured play video, the server system 1100 starts reception control process related to the featured play video to receive tips from viewing users who are viewing the live video. Specifically, when a tipping item used to send a tip is selected on the tipping item selection screen W41 on the viewer terminal 1500 of any viewing user, a character is appropriately selected and designated on the selection designation screen W43, and then the transmission execution button B45 is touched to perform a transmission execution operation, currency points equivalent to the transmission amount are collected and then the transmission amount is received as a tip from the viewing user.

2. Transmission Status Storage Control Process In the transmission status storage control process, the server system 1100 controls to store the timing of receipt of the tip received in the reception control process, the transmission amount which is the action content, the viewing user who sent the tip, and the character selected and specified when sending the tip in association with each other. The control here is performed by generating and storing tip data related to the tip every time a tip is sent by any viewing user.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, one tip data 600 includes, as data set when a tip is received, a transmission ID 601, a tip item ID (used tip item ID) 603 of the tip item used in the transmission, a user account (transmitting user account) 605 of the viewing user who transmitted the tip, a reception timing 607 of the tip, a transmission amount 609 of the tip, and a type of character selected and specified (selected character type) 611. The reception timing 607 is determined, for example, by the elapsed time from the start of game play (hereinafter also referred to as "play elapsed time"). The transmission amount 609 stores the transmission amount 513 (see FIG. 15) of the tip item used in the tip (the tip item of the used tip item ID 603).

The tip data 600 also includes a support amount 613 that is determined by changing the outgoing amount in the change control process, and an amount change amount 615 that indicates the amount of increase or decrease in the outgoing amount, as data that is set when the determination timing described below arrives. The amount change amount 615 is calculated as the difference between the support amount 613 and the outgoing amount 609.

3. Judgment Timing Judgment Process In the judgment timing judgment process, the server system 1100 judges, as the judgment timing, the arrival of the timing when the game play progress of the broadcasting user of the attention play video satisfies a given progression condition. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 sets the given progression condition as "the game has ended" and monitors the game play progress of the broadcasting user. Then, the server system 1100 judges the arrival of the judgment timing by setting the timing when the progression condition is satisfied as the judgment timing. In other words, it judges that the judgment timing has arrived at the time when the broadcasting user wins all 10 rounds and is confirmed as the winner, or the time when the broadcasting user loses midway and is confirmed as being eliminated.

4. Determination Process In the determination process, the server system 1100 determines the difference between the game play status of the broadcast user at the reception timing of the tip received in the reception control process and the game play status of the broadcast user at the judgment timing whose arrival is determined in the judgment timing determination process. In this embodiment, all tips received up to the judgment timing are sequentially treated as target tips, and the "number of wins" of the broadcast user from the reception timing to the judgment timing (hereinafter also referred to as the "reception judgment period") is determined as the difference in the game play status related to the target tip.

Specifically, first, the reception timing 607 is read from the tip data 600 of the target tip. Next, the progress time series data 526 is referenced to obtain the match round at the read reception timing 607 and the match round at that time, which is the judgment timing. Then, the round numbers of each match round are compared to determine the number of wins of the broadcasting user during the reception judgment period. In the example game of FIG. 7, the number of wins is a maximum of "10" and a minimum of "0". That is, when the tip is sent during the first round and the judgment timing arrives because the broadcasting user's victory has been confirmed, the number of wins is "10". On the other hand, if the match round is the same at the reception timing and the judgment timing, the number of wins is "0".

In the response process execution control process, the server system 1100 performs a viewer action response process corresponding to the tip received in the reception control process. In this embodiment, when the determination timing arrives, the above-mentioned performance control process and support process are performed for all the received tips.

In more detail, the corresponding process execution control process first performs a change control process to change the outgoing amount, sequentially treating the accepted tip as a target tip. Then, a performance control process is performed based on the support amount, which is the changed outgoing amount, and a support process is performed based on the support amount. Each process will be explained below, focusing on one target tip.

In the change control process, the server system 1100 reads the transmission amount 609 (see FIG. 8) from the tip data 600 of the target tip and changes it. For example, the transmission amount is changed by multiplying it by the first to third coefficients K ₁ , K ₂ , and K ₃ according to the following formula (1), and the changed transmission amount is determined as the support amount.
Support amount = transmission amount × _K1 × _K2 × _K3 ... (1)

The first coefficient _K1 is a coefficient based on the difference in the game play situation determined in the determination process, and the more the number of wins determined as the difference, the larger the value is set. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 9, a calculation formula for the first coefficient _K1 is prepared in advance for each number of wins ("0" to "10" in the example of the game in Fig. 7). Then, the first coefficient _K1 for the target tip is set using the calculation formula according to the determined number of wins.

More specifically, the calculation formula of the first coefficient _K1 for each winning number is a calculation formula that outputs the first coefficient _K1 as a value that is larger as the number of tips whose acceptance timing satisfies a predetermined contemporaneous condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "contemporaneous transmission number") is smaller and as the number is larger, the calculation formula is determined so that the upper limit value 1, T13, T23, ..., T93, T103 and the lower limit value T10, T11, T21, ..., T91, T101 increase in that order as the winning number increases. For example, the server system 1100 counts the number of tips that correspond to the acceptance timing 607 of all accepted tips as the contemporaneous transmission number, with the contemporaneous condition being "transmitted during the same battle round as the acceptance timing of the target tip". Then, the first coefficient _K1 for the target tip is set from the winning number and the counted contemporaneous transmission number.

Therefore, the first coefficient _K1 means that the value of tips sent in the early stage after the start of gameplay increases the more the distributor of the gameplay video advances through each round (the support amount is determined by a larger increase in the sent amount). In other words, if a viewing user sends a tip in the early stage of a game when the distributors are not so far ahead in terms of ability and it is difficult to predict the outcome of the game (whether the distributor will win, how far the distributor will advance, etc.), the increase in the sent amount will be greater in the former case than if the viewing user waits to see how the game progresses until the game has progressed to a certain extent before sending a tip.

Furthermore, the first coefficient _K1 is set to a larger value as the number of other tips (concurrent sendings) sent at the same time (e.g., during the same battle round) is smaller. Therefore, for example, at the beginning of the game or the like when the number of viewing users is small and the number of tips sent is also small, the amount of tips sent is more likely to be increased.

On the other hand, in the example of Fig. 9, since the first coefficient _K1 can take a positive decimal value, if the number of winning eliminations is small or if many tips have been sent at the same time, the sending amount may be reduced. In that case, the support amount is determined by subtracting the sending amount from the support amount.

The second coefficient _K2 is a coefficient based on the viewing level 553 (see FIG. 16) of the viewing user who sent the target tip. For example, the second coefficient _K2 is set to a value greater than 1 as illustrated in FIG. 10, and is basically set to be greater (closer to T2) as the viewing level 553 becomes higher. The second coefficient K2 can be set by preparing a calculation formula for the second coefficient _K2 shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, according to the second coefficient _K2 , the higher the viewing level 553 of the viewing user is, the greater the amount of tip can be increased.

10, the second coefficient _K2 may be set to a larger value as the viewing level 553 is lower, so that the amount of tip sent by a viewing user with a lower viewing level 553 is increased by a larger amount. In addition, in cases where friends and followers are set separately, not limited to the viewing level 553, a coefficient according to the number of friends and followers may be set as the second coefficient _K2 . For example, it is possible to make it easier for tip sent by a popular viewing user with a large number of followers to be increased, or conversely, to make it easier for tip sent by a viewing user with a small number of followers to be increased.

The third coefficient _K3 is a coefficient based on the presence or absence of a selection designation, _and is set by predefining the setting procedure shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, if a character is not selected and designated when a target tip is sent, the server system 1100 sets the third coefficient _K3 to a fixed value (1 in the example of FIG. 11).

On the other hand, if a selection has been made (when the selected character type 611 is set), the server system 1100 reads out the characters used by the broadcasting user in each battle round within the acceptance judgment period from the progress status time series data 526, and obtains the number of times the selected character was used (number of times used within the period) and the battle results of the battle rounds in which the selected character was used. The game in this embodiment is a knockout tournament, and one loss means defeat, so the battle result will be either a perfect win or one loss.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the server system 1100 first determines a reference value from the number of times of use within the period and the battle results obtained. For example, the reference value is set to a larger value the more times the character is used within the period and the better the battle results. Next, the server system 1100 refers to the character-specific use history data 546 (see FIG. 16) of the broadcast user, reads out the frequency of use of the selected character in past game plays, and determines the level of the frequency of use based on a threshold. Then, the reference value is adjusted according to the determined level and set as the third coefficient _K3 . As a result, when the frequency of use of the selected character is low (i.e., when the character is a character that the broadcast user does not usually use), the reference value is adjusted to a larger value compared to when the character is frequently used and is often used by the broadcast user, and the third coefficient _K3 is set.

Therefore, according to the third coefficient _K3 , the tip amount for which the viewing user has selected a character at the time of transmission is likely to be increased if the broadcasting user uses that character in the game play related to the live broadcast. Furthermore, if the character has been used infrequently in past game plays, the increase amount will be greater. In addition, since the reference value can be a positive decimal value in the example of FIG. 11, if the broadcasting user does not use the selected character or if the broadcasting user uses the character but has a poor match record, the transmission amount may be reduced.

The server system 1100 then determines the support amount for each accepted tip by changing the transmission amount according to formula (1) using the first to third coefficients _K1 , _K2 , and _K3 set as described above. At this time, the server system 1100 calculates the difference between the support amount and the transmission amount as the amount change amount, and stores this difference in the tip data 600 as the support amount 613 and the amount change amount 615.

5-2. Performance Control Processing Once the server system 1100 has determined the support amount in the change control processing, it executes a performance control processing, which is one of the viewer action response processing, for each accepted tip (i.e., tip that was the subject of the change control processing). In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a performance control content table 509 is prepared in which performance control content is defined in advance for each price range. Therefore, the server system 1100 executes the performance control processing by reading the performance control content for the price range to which the support amount belongs from this performance control content table 509 and applying performance control to the viewer screen.

The content of the performance control is not particularly limited, but it is a good idea to set the content so that, for example, the more expensive the price range, the more glamorous or showy the performance control will be. Specifically, the performance control can be set to have flower petals fluttering on the viewer's screen, fireworks going off, characters appearing and dancing, etc.

5-3. Cheering Process Once the server system 1100 has determined the cheering amount in the change control process, it executes the cheering process, which is another viewer action response process, in addition to the performance control process. This cheering process is a process of granting monetary value to the broadcast user based on the cheering amount, which is the changed outgoing amount. For example, the cheering process executes a process of granting the full amount of the cheering amount to the broadcast user for each accepted tip.

The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which a monetary value (support amount) is awarded, and a configuration in which a bonus equivalent to the support amount is awarded may also be used. The content of the bonus to be awarded is not particularly limited and may be set as appropriate. For example, a game object such as a character or game item that can be used in the game may be awarded.

6. Benefit Granting Control Process In the benefit granting control process, when the game of the broadcasting user ends and the live broadcast ends, the server system 1100 performs control to grant a given benefit to the viewing user who has sent the accepted tip (the tip that was the subject of the change control process). The same benefit may be granted to the corresponding viewing user, or a benefit may be granted according to the number of times the tip is sent. In addition to the number of times the tip is sent, a configuration is also possible in which the benefit to be granted is variably set using the amount of change in the amount of the transmission (the amount of increase or decrease in the amount of the transmission). In that case, the server system 1100 refers to the tip data 600 and specifies, for example, the maximum value (maximum change amount) of the amount change amount 615 for each viewing user. Then, the benefit to be granted is variably set for each viewing user, for example, by making the benefit more luxurious for a viewing user who has sent a large number of tips and a large maximum change amount.

The contents of the rewards granted here are not particularly limited. For example, rewards can include viewing points that can be accumulated by repeatedly watching gameplay videos, and support points or fan points that can be accumulated for each broadcaster of a watched gameplay video. If rewards are granted according to the number of times tips are sent or the maximum change amount, it is advisable to grant more support points, etc., the more times tips are sent and the larger the maximum change amount.

7. Viewer Introduction Control Process In the viewer introduction control process, when the game of the broadcasting user ends and the live broadcast ends, the server system 1100 refers to the tipping data 600 and generates introduction information introducing a viewing user whose amount change amount 615 satisfies a predetermined maximum condition. The maximum condition can be set, for example, as "the viewing user who sent the tip with the largest amount change amount." Thereafter, the generated introduction information is controlled to be displayed on the viewer screen of the viewer terminal 1500 of each viewing user. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an introduction screen W5 listing the user name and amount change amount of the viewing user who satisfies the maximum condition is displayed as a pop-up on the viewer screen.

The maximum condition can be, for example, "a viewing user who has sent a tip that is ranked from the top 1 to 5 in terms of amount change amount." Then, introduction information that introduces viewing users who meet the maximum condition in a ranking format of amount change amount can be generated and displayed on the viewer screen of the viewer terminal 1500 of each viewing user. Of course, the ranking order to be displayed in the ranking display is not limited to the top 5, and can be set as appropriate.

8. Regarding Archive Distribution When the server system 1100 ends the live distribution of the gameplay video described above, the server system 1100 manages the distributed gameplay video 597 as an archive video 620 (see FIG. 17). When the archive distribution of the archive video 620 is performed, the archive video 620 is edited based on the tip data 600 related to the tip sent during the live distribution, and then the archive video 620 is distributed to the viewer terminal 1500 (archive distribution control process). Specifically, when the archive video is distributed, editing is performed to apply performance control based on the support amount 613 to the viewer screen at the elapsed play time recorded as the reception timing 607. As a result, the performance control based on the support amount is applied to the viewer screen of the archive video at the timing (reception timing) when the tip was sent by the viewing user during the live distribution.

[Functional configuration]
1. Server System Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server system 1100. As shown in Fig. 14, the server system 1100 of this embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 390s, a sound output unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is used to input various operations for system management, maintenance, etc., and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the keyboard 1106 and the touch panel 1108.

The server processing unit 200s can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc., or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between each part of the device including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from the viewer terminal 1500, etc., and generally controls the operation of the server system 1100. In Figure 1, this corresponds to the control board 1150 and its CPU 1151.

The server processing unit 200s includes a user management unit 210, a billing processing unit 220, a game management unit 230, a distribution control unit 241, a reception control unit 243, a call status storage control unit 245, a judgment timing judgment unit 247, a judgment unit 249, a response processing execution control unit 251, a bonus granting control unit 255, a viewer introduction control unit 257, an archive distribution control unit 259, a timing unit 280s, an image generation unit 290s, a sound generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

The user management unit 210 performs processes related to user registration and manages the data of each registered user linked to a user account. For example, it can execute processes such as assigning unique user accounts to registered users, registration information management processes that register and manage personal information for each user account, and usage history management processes that manage login and logout history, etc. Of course, it can also include management processes for other data linked to user accounts as appropriate.

The billing processing unit 220 performs billing processing in response to a user's purchase of currency points, and grants the user currency points equivalent to the purchase amount.

The game management unit 230 performs various controls for executing the online game on the viewer terminal 1500. Since the multiplayer game of this embodiment is a client-server type online game, the game management unit 230 performs control to provide data necessary for game play while communicating with the viewer terminal 1500. The game management unit 230 also generates and manages the storage of play data 520, and generates and manages the storage of play reproduction data 530 based on the play data 520.

The distribution control unit 241 performs various processes to realize live distribution of gameplay videos. In this embodiment, the distribution control unit 241 generates gameplay videos from play reproduction data 530 generated and stored by the game management unit 230 at any time, produces distributed gameplay videos 597, and controls live distribution to the viewer terminals 1500 of the viewing users. In addition, the distribution control unit 241 also manages the distribution schedule, viewing users, archived footage (distributed gameplay videos), etc.

The reception control unit 243 is a functional unit that performs reception control processing, and detects the operation of sending a tip using a tip item on the viewer terminal 1500, and controls the reception of tips from that viewing user. In this embodiment, it accepts the selection of a character when sending a tip. At that time, the reception control unit 243 also requests payment via the electronic payment server 1300 as appropriate via the billing processing unit 220. As a result, currency points equivalent to the sending amount are collected from the viewing user.

The transmission status storage control unit 245 is a functional unit that performs transmission status storage control processing, and controls the generation and storage of tip data 600 relating to tips accepted by the acceptance control unit 243 at any time.

The judgment timing determination unit 247 is a functional unit that performs judgment timing determination processing, and as the judgment timing, it determines the arrival of the time when the distribution user's game play progress satisfies a given progress condition.

The determination unit 249 is a functional unit that performs a determination process, and for each tip accepted in the acceptance control process, determines the difference between the game play status of the broadcast user at the time of acceptance and the game play status of the broadcast user at the time of judgment.

The response process execution control unit 251 is a functional unit that performs a response process execution control process, and executes a performance control process and a cheering process as viewer action response processes corresponding to tips accepted in the acceptance control process. The response process execution control unit 251 includes a change control unit 253.

The change control unit 253 is a functional unit that performs change control processing, and determines the support amount for each tip by changing the outgoing amount according to the above formula (1).

The reward-granting control unit 255 is a functional unit that performs reward-granting control processing, and controls the granting of rewards to viewing users who have made tips accepted in the acceptance control processing.

The viewer introduction control unit 257 is a functional unit that performs viewer introduction control processing, and controls the display on the viewer screen of introduction information that introduces viewing users related to tips whose amount change amount satisfies the maximum condition, among the viewing users who have sent tips accepted in the acceptance control processing.

The archive distribution control unit 259 is a functional unit that performs archive distribution control processing, and edits the archive video to be archived, applying performance control based on the support amount at the timing of accepting tips during the live distribution, and then archives and distributes the video to the viewer terminal 1500.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to measure the current date and time, time limit, etc.

The image generation unit 290s generates images related to system management of the server system 1100, and outputs them to the image display unit 390s.

The sound generation unit 292s is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to the system management and video distribution of the server system 1100. Audio signals related to system management are output to the sound output unit 392s.

The communication control unit 294s establishes a communication connection and processes data for data communication with an external device (e.g., the viewer terminal 1500) via the communication unit 394s, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

The image display unit 390s displays various screens for system management, etc., based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290s. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1108.

The sound output unit 392s emits the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292s. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1101 or the touch panel 1108.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network N to realize communication. For example, this can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the communication device 1153.

The server storage unit 500s stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the server system 1100 and implementing the various functions of the server system 1100, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 1, this corresponds to the IC memory 1152 and storage 1140.

The server storage unit 500s also stores a server program 501, a distribution game client program 503, game setting data 507, the performance control content table 509 described with reference to FIG. 12, tip item definition data 510, play data for each game play 520, play reproduction data for each game play 530, user management data 540, and distribution management data 580. In addition, other necessary data such as timers, counters, various tables, thresholds, and flags are appropriately stored.

The server program 501 is a program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the user management unit 210, the billing processing unit 220, the game management unit 230, the distribution control unit 241, the reception control unit 243, the call status storage control unit 245, the judgment timing judgment unit 247, the judgment unit 249, the response processing execution control unit 251, the bonus granting control unit 255, the viewer introduction control unit 257, and the archive distribution control unit 259. Note that programs for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the image generation unit 290s, the sound generation unit 292s, and the communication control unit 294s may also be included as appropriate.

The distribution game client program 503 is the original of the game client program 502 (see Figure 18) that is downloaded to the viewer terminal 1500.

Game setting data 507 stores various setting data necessary to execute the online game of this embodiment. For example, it stores character setting data that defines the type of each character appearing in the game, various ability parameter values, model data, motion data used for movement control, etc., object definition data related to various game objects such as game items that the player can obtain during the game, stage setting data related to the settings of the game stage, etc.

The tip item definition data 510 is prepared for each type of tip item, and stores various setting data for the tip item. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, one tip item definition data 510 includes the tip item ID 511, the amount of money sent 513, and the display data 515 of the corresponding tip item.

User management data 540 is prepared for each user who has completed user registration, and stores various management data related to that user. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, one user management data 540 includes the user's user account (player ID) 541, payment medium ledger data 543, play history data 545, distribution data 547, and viewing data 550. In addition, it also includes save data related to the online game play status, personal information such as age, gender, and birthday, etc.

The payment medium ledger data 543 stores information on the balance of the electronic payment medium (currency points in this embodiment) associated with the user, such as the purchase date and time and number of currency points purchased (charged amount), and the consumption date and number of currency points consumed.

Play history data 545 stores the date and time when the user played online games, the play time, the play level, etc. In addition, play history data 545 includes character usage history data 546. This character usage history data 546 stores, for each type of character that can be used (operated) as a player character in an online game, the date and time when the user used the character in the game, the number of times the character was used, the frequency of use, etc. The frequency of use may be set as a frequency based on all usage history since user registration, or may be set as a frequency of use in a calculation period such as the most recent month or six months.

The distribution data 547 stores the distribution history, such as the distribution ID and distribution date and time of the gameplay video distributed by the user, and the distribution level, etc. The distribution level indicates the user's experience as a distributor, and is updated from time to time according to the number of live broadcasts made since becoming a distributor, etc.

Viewing data 550 stores viewing history data 551 and viewing level 553.

Viewing history data 551 is generated each time the user watches a gameplay video as a viewing user. Specifically, one piece of viewing history data 551 stores the broadcast ID of the corresponding gameplay video, the type of broadcast indicating whether it is a live broadcast or an archive broadcast, the viewing date and time, the viewing time, the number of tips sent during the live broadcast of the gameplay video (number of in-stream broadcasts), the total amount of each tip sent (total in-stream tip amount), etc.

The viewing level 553 indicates the user's experience as a viewer, and is updated from time to time according to the number of times the user has watched gameplay videos as a viewing user, the total viewing time, the total number of submissions, the total amount of tips, etc.

The distribution management data 580 is generated for each live distribution, and stores various data describing the latest state of the distribution. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, one distribution management data 580 includes a distribution ID 581, a distribution schedule 585, a distribution in progress flag 587 indicating whether or not live distribution is in progress (ON: live distribution in progress/OFF: provided), a distribution user account 589, a viewing user account list 591, a viewer count 593, a play ID (distribution play ID) 595 of the online game related to the live distribution, a distribution game play video 597, the tip data 600 described with reference to FIG. 8, and archived video 620.

2. Viewer Terminal Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a viewer terminal 1500. As shown in Fig. 18, the viewer terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, an image display unit 390, a sound output unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 allows the user to input various operations, and can be realized by, for example, a button switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a CCD module, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the direction input key 1502, the home key 1504, and the touch panel 1506.

The device processing unit 200 can be realized by a processor, which is an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, or other electronic components such as IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each unit of the device including the operation input unit 100 and the device storage unit 500. It performs various arithmetic processing based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, and generally controls the operation of the viewer terminal 1500. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 1550 and its CPU 1551. In this embodiment, the device processing unit 200 includes a viewer terminal arithmetic unit 270, a video viewing control unit 275, a timer unit 280, an image generation unit 290, a sound generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The viewer terminal calculation unit 270 executes various calculation processes to cause the viewer terminal 1500 to function as a terminal for the user to play games. For example, the viewer terminal calculation unit 270 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 271 and an image display control unit 273.

The operation signal transmission control unit 271 performs processing to transmit various data and request information to the server system 1100 in response to operation input to the operation input unit 100.

The image display control unit 273 performs control for displaying a game screen, a viewer screen, etc., based on various data received from the server system 1100. In this embodiment, images of various screens such as a game screen and a viewer screen are generated by the server system 1100, but it is also possible to generate them by the viewer terminal 1500. In this case, the image display control unit 273 performs control of objects arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space for generating 3DCG, for example, and the image generation unit 290 renders the 3DCG and executes various controls for generating a game screen. Regarding the display of the content display unit 20 showing the game play content, the operation input time series data 525 and the play reproduction data 530 are received from the server system 1100, and a game program (game client program 502) is executed based on these data to generate a game play video.

The video viewing control unit 275 performs control to access public sites and watch and view gameplay videos, i.e., to realize the functionality of a web browser.

The image generation unit 290 cooperates with the image display control unit 273 to generate various image data, and controls the generation and output of image signals for displaying those images on the image display unit 390 .
In FIG. 2, the GPU mounted on the control board 1550 corresponds to this.

The sound generation unit 292 is realized, for example, by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec for playing audio files, etc., and generates audio signals such as sound effects, operation sounds, background music, etc., and outputs them to the sound output unit 392.

The communication control unit 294 establishes a communication connection and processes data for data communication with an external device (e.g., the server system 1100) via the communication unit 394, and realizes data exchange with the external device.

The image display unit 390 displays various screens such as a game screen and a viewer screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 290. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

The sound output unit 392 is realized by a device that outputs (emits) sound based on the audio signal input from the sound generation unit 292. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the speaker 1510.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network N to realize communication. For example, this can be realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the viewer terminal 1500 and implementing the functions of the viewer terminal 1500, as well as data used during execution of these programs. For example, this can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory 1552 and memory card 1540. A configuration using online storage is also possible.

The terminal storage unit 500 also stores a game client program 502 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the viewer terminal calculation unit 270, a web browser program 504 for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as the video viewing control unit 275, and operation input data 506. The game client program 502 may be a dedicated client program according to the technical method for realizing the online game, or may be composed of a web browser program and a plug-in for realizing interactive image display. In this embodiment, it is a copy of the distribution game client program 503 (see FIG. 14) provided by the server system 1100.

[Process flow]
19 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to live distribution of gameplay videos performed by the server system 1100, focusing on one live distribution. The processing described here is realized by the server processing unit 200s reading and executing the server program 501. Prior to the processing here, a distribution schedule 585 is set. Then, in accordance with the set distribution schedule 585, the game management unit 230 starts controlling the game progress related to the gameplay of the distribution user, saves necessary data in the play data 520, rewrites it, and starts accumulating it as play reproduction data 530.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the distribution control unit 241 starts generating the distributed gameplay video 597 based on the play reproduction data 530, and starts live distribution (step S1).

During live streaming, the reception control unit 243 performs reception control processing and monitors the call execution operation on the viewer terminal 1500. If a call execution operation is detected (step S3: YES), control is performed to accept tips (step S5). The call status storage control unit 245 then performs call status storage control processing and generates and stores tip data 600 relating to the tip accepted in step S5 (step S7).

Then, the judgment timing determination unit 247 performs judgment timing determination processing to determine when the broadcast user's game play progress has satisfied the progress conditions. In this embodiment, when the game ends, it is determined that the progress conditions have been satisfied (step S9: YES), and it is determined that the judgment timing has arrived (step S11).

When the determination timing arrives, all tips received in step S5 up until that determination timing are sequentially treated as target tips, and loop A processing is executed (steps S13 to S23). That is, in loop A, first, the determination unit 249 performs a determination process on the target tips. In this embodiment, the number of wins of the broadcasting user during the reception determination period from the timing of receiving the target tip to the determination timing is determined as the difference in the game play status of the broadcasting user at each timing (step S15).

Then, the change control unit 253 performs a change control process to change the transmission amount of the target tip according to the above formula (1), thereby determining the changed transmission amount as the support amount (step S17).

Then, the response process execution control unit 251 executes a performance control process based on the support amount determined in step S17 (step S19), and the response process execution control unit 251 executes a support process based on the support amount determined in step S17 (step S21).

After loop A processing has been executed for all accepted tips, the reward granting control unit 255 then performs reward granting control processing to control the granting of rewards to the viewing user who sent the tip (step S25). In addition, the viewer introduction control unit 257 performs viewer introduction control processing to generate introduction information for the viewing user who sent the tip whose amount change amount satisfies the maximum condition, and controls the display of this information on the viewer screen (step S27).

After that, when the live distribution ends, the distribution control unit 241 saves the distributed gameplay video 597 as archive video 620 (step S29) and ends this process.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the sending amount is changed by increasing or decreasing depending on the change in the game play status of the broadcasting user from the time when the tip is accepted until the judgment timing, and the performance control process and the support process are performed based on the changed sending amount (support amount). This motivates viewing users to send tips from the early stages of the live broadcast, which can liven up the live broadcast. Meanwhile, the broadcasting user does not receive the tip sending amount as is, but receives a support amount that has been changed depending on changes in the broadcasting user's game play status thereafter. This makes it possible to provide a new interest by utilizing tips from viewing users when broadcasting gameplay videos.

The forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

[Modification 1]
For example, in the above embodiment, the progress condition for determining the arrival of the judgment timing is exemplified as "the game has ended", but the content is not particularly limited as long as it is a condition related to the progress of the broadcasting user's game play. For example, in the game example of the above embodiment, it may be "the fifth round has been won", which is the middle of the tenth round. In addition, it may be a condition that occurs when the transmission amount is not changed. For example, it may be set as "the game has ended with the broadcasting user winning". In that case, the transmission amount of the tip is changed only if the broadcasting user wins. If the game ends with the broadcasting user being defeated, the transmission amount is not changed and remains the original transmission amount.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, a knockout game in which a competitive game is repeated is exemplified as a game played by a distributor user, but the genre of the game to which the invention is applied is not particularly limited. For example, the invention may be applied to a stage-clearing type game in which the game progresses by clearing a plurality of stages in order. In this case, the arrival of the judgment timing is determined using the progress condition of "the game has ended" or "the boss stage has been cleared". Then, the number of stages cleared during the acceptance judgment period, the number of boss stages cleared, the number of predetermined game items collected during the acceptance judgment period, the number of enemies defeated, etc. may be determined as differences in the game play situation.

It may also be applied to games such as battle royale games in which multiple players fight until only one remains. In that case, the number of players who have reached game over during the reception judgment period (the difference between the number of surviving players at the reception timing and the number of surviving players at the judgment timing) is determined as the difference in the game play situation. Alternatively, the number of enemy characters defeated by the broadcasting user during the reception judgment period may be determined as the difference in the game play situation.

For example, it can be applied to 12-round boxing games, tournament-style sports games, and other games such as racing games, action games, and rhythm games, where players compete against each other for time or score, in a knockout-type tournament where players repeat the process.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the broadcasting user accepted the selection of a character that can be used in a game as a selection that can be made when sending a tip. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the broadcasting user accepted the selection of other game objects, such as game items. For example, when applied to a game in which a player character is equipped with a weapon, the selection of a weapon item may be accepted. In that case, the transmission amount is changed taking into account whether the broadcasting user used the game object that was selected during the reception determination period.

In addition, when a tip is received that includes a selection of a game object such as a character or a game item, the broadcasting user may be notified of the type of game object that has been selected, along with the fact that it has been selected. In this way, the broadcasting user can select a character or weapon in game play while referring to the notification.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment, a change control process is performed to change the transmission amount to determine the support amount, and the total support amount is given to the broadcasting user. In contrast, in a configuration in which a portion of the transmission amount transmitted as a tip is distributed to the broadcasting user as a distribution amount, the distribution ratio may be changed for each tip. Specifically, for example, a standard distribution ratio is changed based on the number of wins, etc., and a distribution ratio to be applied to each tip is determined. Then, the determined distribution ratio may be multiplied by the transmission amount to determine a distribution amount for each tip, and the distribution amount may be given to the broadcasting user.

Alternatively, if the transmission amount is converted into evaluation points and a distribution user is given a distribution amount based on the evaluation points, the conversion ratio of the evaluation points may be changed for each tip. Specifically, for example, the standard conversion ratio may be changed based on the number of wins, etc., and the conversion ratio to be applied for each tip may be determined. The transmission amount may then be converted into evaluation points for each tip using the determined conversion ratio.

The increase in the transmission fee resulting from the change control process can be borne by the distribution company, sponsor company, etc. Also, if the transmission fee is reduced after the change, the amount reduced can be used to compensate.

[Modification 5]
In the above embodiment, both the performance control process and the cheering process are executed as the viewer action response process, but either one of them may be executed. For example, this can be realized by preparing a type of tipping item that executes only the performance control process when used for transmission, or a type of tipping item that executes only the cheering process.

The performance control process may be executed not only when the determination timing arrives, but also when a tip is accepted. In that case, for example, at the acceptance timing, the performance control content for the price range to which the sending amount belongs is read from the performance control content table 509, and performance control is applied to the viewer screen according to the performance control content. On the other hand, when the determination timing arrives, as in the above embodiment, the performance control content for the price range to which the support amount, which is the changed sending amount, belongs is read from the performance control content table 509, and performance control is applied to the viewer screen according to the performance control content.

[Modification 6]
In addition, the change in the transmission amount by the change control process may be performed on the condition that the viewing user who is the sender has watched the live broadcast to the end (until the game ends), and the transmission amount may not be changed for tips sent by viewing users who stopped watching midway. Similarly, the awarding of rewards in the reward awarding control process may be configured to award rewards only to viewing users who satisfy the condition.

[Modification 7]
In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of sending a tip using a tip item with a preset sending amount, but a configuration in which a viewer inputs a sending amount and sends a tip of the input amount may also be used.

[Modification 8]
Also, the degree to which the action content (e.g., the amount of money to be sent) is changed may be varied depending on whether or not the difference in the game play situation (e.g., the number of eliminations) determined in the determination process satisfies a predetermined large difference condition. In the case of playing a 10-round tournament as in the above embodiment, for example, the amount of money to be sent is set separately for the case where the game ends with less than "8" eliminations and the case where the number of eliminations is "8" or more. For example, the amount of money to be changed when the number of eliminations is less than 8 is set to a 5% increase, and when the number of eliminations is 8 or more is set to a 25% increase.

In the change control process of this modified example, the server system 1100 determines whether the large difference condition is "the number of wins is 8 or more" and whether the number of wins of the broadcasting user satisfies the large difference condition. If the number of wins of the broadcasting user is 8 or more, the large difference condition is met and the transmission amount is increased by 30%. If it is less than 8, the transmission amount is increased by 5%. This is one example, and the amount of change in the transmission amount can also be changed depending on the win rate, number of wins, or ranking in a league-style competitive game, or the time ranking in a time trial game.

[Modification 9]
In the above embodiment, the reception control process is started at the start of live streaming, and tips from viewing users are accepted until the game ends. Alternatively, the broadcasting user may be allowed to set a period during which tips can be accepted. In that case, the server system 1100, for example, first accepts a setting operation of the timing at which tips are accepted by the broadcasting user as an acceptable period setting means before live streaming. Then, the period from the acceptance start timing related to the setting operation to the determination timing is set as the acceptable period, and tips from viewing users are accepted only during the acceptable period. For example, if the broadcasting user sets the start of the third round as the acceptance start timing, the viewing user will be able to send tips if the broadcasting user advances to the third round.

The broadcasting user may also be allowed to set the judgment timing. A configuration may be adopted in which only the judgment timing can be set, or both may be set in addition to the above-mentioned reception period. In that case, for example, before live broadcasting, the server system 1100 first accepts the broadcasting user's setting operation of the judgment timing as a judgment timing setting means. Then, in the judgment timing determination process, it determines whether the judgment timing has arrived. For example, if the broadcasting user has set the end of the fifth round as the judgment timing, it will determine that the judgment timing has arrived at the point when the fifth round ends.

[Modification 10]
In the above embodiment, when a character is selected and designated when sending a tip, the sending amount is changed (the support amount is determined) taking into account the number of times the character is used by the broadcast user and the match results, but the sending amount may also be changed taking into account the way the character is used (the content of use) and the operation method (the content of operation). For example, the progress status time series data 526 is referenced to obtain the number of successful combos (maximum number) in the round in which the character was used. Meanwhile, in a similar manner to the second coefficient _K2, etc., a formula for calculating the fourth coefficient _K4 is prepared so that the value increases as the maximum number of combos increases. Then, the fourth coefficient _K4 is determined from the obtained maximum number, and the support amount is determined by further multiplying it by the sending amount.

In addition to the number of successful combos, the type of specific technique that is the subject of change control and the number of times it is used may be predefined, and the amount of money sent may be increased when that type of technique is used, or the support amount may be determined by increasing the amount sent the more times that technique is used in a manner similar to the maximum combo coefficient.

[Modification 11]
In the above embodiment, when the determination timing arrives, the transmission amount is changed using the play status of the broadcasting user at the determination timing. In contrast, for tips that include the selection and designation of a game object such as a character, when the game object satisfies a given condition, the transmission amount may be changed regardless of whether the determination timing arrives or not. This can be achieved by setting in advance the contents of the condition and the amount of change in the transmission amount when the condition is satisfied. The contents of the condition can include, for example, the disappearance of the selected game object, the change in the state of the selected game object, the change of the game object to another game object, etc.

For example, if the broadcasting user is playing a role-playing game (RPG), the condition is that "the player character has reached a certain level." Then, when that condition is met during game play, the sending amount of the tip corresponding to that time may be changed to determine the support amount of that tip.

[Modification 12]
In the above embodiment, the transmission amount is changed using the first coefficient _K1 based on the number of eliminations (see formula (1) above). However, it is also possible to set a change amount for the transmission amount for each number of eliminations in advance, and change the transmission amount according to the change amount according to the number of eliminations of the broadcast user.

In that case, as shown in FIG. 20, it is also possible to provide multiple change options for each number of eliminations. Selection conditions for each option for each number of eliminations may be set. The selection conditions may be set, for example, as the level of the broadcasting user, the amount of the compensation paid by the broadcasting user, or a combination of these. In addition, the level difference with the opponent (for example, if the opponent is a player, the level difference with the player) may be included in the selection conditions. However, at least one option for which no selection conditions are set (selectable unconditionally) is included for each number of eliminations. The amount of change in amount is set to be larger the higher the game level related to the corresponding selection condition and the higher the amount of compensation paid.

In the change control process of this modified example, first, options corresponding to the number of wins of the broadcast user determined in the previous determination process are displayed and presented on the viewer terminal 1500 of the broadcast user. Options for which the broadcast user does not meet the selection conditions are displayed in an unselectable state. A configuration in which only those options that meet the selection conditions and are selectable are displayed may also be used. In addition, when presenting the options, a payment button is provided for those selectable options for which a payment is required, and a decision button is provided for those options that do not require payment. When the broadcast user touches the payment button or decision button for any option, or pays the amount of the payment if the broadcast user touches the payment button, the transmission amount is changed according to the changes made to that option, and the support amount is determined.

For example, in the example of FIG. 20, if the broadcast user's number of wins is 8, all options are displayed as selectable if the broadcast user's game level is 100 or higher. On the other hand, if the broadcast user's game level is, for example, 30, two options R91 and R92 become selectable. Then, for example, if the broadcast user selects option R92 and pays the requested amount of currency points (500 pt) as compensation, the outgoing amount is changed to an increased amount of 15%, and the changed amount becomes the support amount. Note that the numerical values shown in FIG. 20 as the game level, compensation amount, and amount change amount are merely examples, and may be set as appropriate.

Note that while FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the amount of change, multiple change options may be prepared for each number of wins for the content of performance control, allowing the broadcast user to select from them. In that case, it is advisable to set the content of performance control to be more showy or extravagant the higher the game level related to the corresponding selection condition and the higher the amount of the payment.

[Modification 13]
The game play status to be judged may also be set appropriately depending on the game to be applied. For example, in a game in which points acquired during the game are competed for, the number of points acquired may be used as the game play status to judge the difference, and in a game in which progress is made by accomplishing given tasks, the number of tasks accomplished may be used as the game play status to judge the difference.

1000... Game system 1100... Server system 100s... Operation input unit 200s... Server processing unit 210... User management unit 220... Charging processing unit 230... Game management unit 241... Distribution control unit 243... Reception control unit 245... Call status storage control unit 247... Determination timing determination unit 249... Determination unit 251... Response processing execution control unit 253... Change control unit 255... Benefit granting control unit 257... Viewer introduction control unit 259... Archive distribution control unit 290s... Image generation unit 292s... Sound generation unit 294s... Communication control unit 390s... Image display unit 392s... Sound output unit 394s... Communication unit 500s... Server storage unit 501... Server program 503... Distribution game client program 507... Game setting data 509... Performance control content table 510... Tip item definition data 513: Transmission amount 520: Play data 530: Play reproduction data 540: User management data 543: Payment medium ledger data 545: Play history data 546: Character-specific usage history data 547: Distribution data 550: Viewing data 551: Viewing history data 553: Viewing level 580: Distribution management data 597: Distributed game play video 600: Tipping data 605: Transmitting user account 607: Acceptance timing 609: Transmission amount 611: Selected character type 613: Support amount 615: Amount of change in amount 620: Archived video 1500: Viewer terminal 100: Operation input unit 200: Terminal processing unit 270: Viewer terminal calculation unit 271: Operation signal transmission control unit 273: Image display control unit 275: Video viewing control unit 290: Image generation unit 292: Sound generation unit 294: Communication control unit 390: Image display unit 392: Sound output unit 394: Communication unit 500: Terminal memory unit 502: Game client program 504: Web browser program 506: Operation input data N: Network 1200: Video publishing management server 1300: Electronic settlement server 2: User

Claims (21)

A gameplay video distribution system that distributes gameplay video of a distributor to each viewer terminal of the viewer,
A reception control means for receiving tips or gifts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "tips") from the viewers through the viewer terminals;
A response process execution control means for executing at least one of the following viewer action response processes corresponding to a given tip : 1) control for applying a performance control based on the tip to a viewer screen of the game play video; and 2) a support process for the distributor based on the tip .
A viewer action storage control means for controlling the association and storage of the reception timing at which the tip is received by the reception control means, a parameter value related to the tip , and a viewer related to the tip ;
A determination means for determining a difference between a game play status of the distributor at the reception timing and a game play status of the distributor at a determination timing after the reception timing;
Equipped with
The corresponding process execution control means
a change control means for changing the parameter value based on a result of the judgment by the judgment means when the judgment timing arrives;
having
Gameplay video distribution system. when the difference determined by the determination means satisfies a predetermined large difference condition, the change control means changes the parameter value by a degree different from that when the difference determined by the determination means does not satisfy the large difference condition.
The game play video distribution system according to claim 1 . the response process execution control means executes, as the viewer action response process, the support process of granting a monetary value or a special benefit to the distributor based on the parameter value after the change by the change control means.
3. The game play video distribution system according to claim 1 or 2 . a determination timing determination means for determining, as the determination timing, a timing at which the progress of the game play of the distributor satisfies a given progress condition;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: a determination timing setting means for setting the determination timing based on a setting operation of the distributor;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: an acceptance period setting means for setting a period during which acceptance is permitted by the acceptance control means based on a setting operation of the distributor;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , further comprising: The reception control means, when receiving a tip , receives a selection designation by the viewer of a game object that the broadcaster can use in game play;
the viewer action storage control means controls so as to store the selection designation in further correspondence with the selection designation;
the change control means changes the parameter value based on whether or not the distributor has used the selected and designated game object during the period from the acceptance timing to the determination timing.
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . the change control means changes the parameter value based on at least one of: 1) the type of game object used by the distributor; 2) the method of using the game object by the distributor; and 3) the result of using the game object used.
The game play video distribution system according to claim 7 . the change control means changes the parameter value when the selected game object satisfies a given condition, regardless of whether the determination timing has arrived or not.
9. The game play video distribution system according to claim 7 or 8 . the change control means changes the parameter value based on a usage history of the selected and specified game object in the past used by the distributor.
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 7 to 9 . The game object is a player character or a game item operated by the distributor.
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 7 to 10 . a viewer introduction control means for displaying, on the viewer screen, introduction information introducing a viewer whose parameter value change amount satisfies a predetermined maximum condition;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising: The change control means controls the amount of change in the parameter value based on the reception timing.
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The change control means controls the change amount of the parameter value based on the number of tips whose acceptance timing satisfies a predetermined contemporaneous condition.
The game play video distribution system according to claim 13 . a user information management means for managing user information for each of the viewers;
Further comprising:
the change control means controls the amount of change in the parameter value for each viewer based on the user information.
A gameplay video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . the change control means changes the parameter value based on whether the distributor satisfies a given condition.
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 . the change control means changes the parameter value based on whether or not the distributor will pay a fee for the change of the parameter value .
A game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 . a privilege giving control means for giving a given privilege to the viewer stored in association with the viewer action by the viewer action storage control means;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , further comprising: the response process execution control means executes, as the viewer action response process, at least a control of applying a performance control based on a tip to a viewer screen of the game play video;
an archive video management means for managing the distributed gameplay video as an archive video;
an archive video distribution means for distributing the archive video to the viewer terminal, the archive video distribution means editing the archive video based on the execution result of the performance control by the corresponding process execution control means and distributing the edited archive video to the viewer terminal;
The game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , comprising: A gameplay video distribution system that distributes gameplay video of a distributor to each viewer terminal of the viewer,
a reception control means for receiving a viewer action from the viewer through the viewer terminal;
a response process execution control means for executing at least one of the following viewer action response processes corresponding to a given viewer action: 1) control for applying presentation control based on a parameter value related to a monetary value of the viewer action to a viewer screen of the game play video; and 2) support process for the distributor based on the parameter value ;
a viewer action storage control means for controlling the storage of a timing at which the viewer action is accepted by the acceptance control means, a parameter value related to the viewer action, and a viewer related to the viewer action in association with each other;
A determination means for determining a difference between a game play status of the distributor at the reception timing and a game play status of the distributor at a determination timing after the reception timing;
Equipped with
the reception control means includes a payment control means for performing payment to a viewer related to the viewer action at the reception timing based on the parameter value related to the viewer action,
The corresponding process execution control means
a change control means for changing the parameter value stored by the viewer action storage control means based on a result of the judgment by the judgment means when the judgment timing arrives;
having
Gameplay video distribution system. A server system which is the game play video distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 20 ;
The viewer terminal;
A gameplay video viewing system connected so as to be capable of communicating with the gameplay video viewing system.

Images