JP7705093B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

In recent years, communication terminals with touch panel displays such as smartphones have become widespread, and each user has his or her own communication terminal. In this context, services that provide users with community-type services over the Internet, namely social networking services (hereinafter referred to as "SNS"), are known. Online games (social games) are provided to users as one such SNS. In addition, video distribution services are also used to distribute gameplay videos from players who are playing the games to a large number of viewers.

For example, a game system has been disclosed that has a points receiving unit that receives voting points from a viewing terminal to which a game play video is distributed, and a modification unit that modifies the content of the game based on the voting points received from the viewing terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

A distribution server has also been disclosed that distributes gameplay of an online game in which multiple players can participate, and controls the display mode of the distribution screen depending on the gameplay situation (for example, Patent Document 2).

Also disclosed is a viewing program executed in a viewing terminal equipped with a processor, a memory, an input unit, and a display unit (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The viewing program causes the processor to execute a first step of performing viewing control to allow a user to view content based on information live-streamed by a distributor, a second step of identifying an item that the user can consume for the content from among a plurality of types of items, a third step of consuming the item identified in the second step in response to an input operation by the user, and a fourth step of outputting consumption information for enabling the distributor to identify that the item has been consumed, the content including a first part and a second part as parts in which the item can be consumed, and the second step switches the identified item between when the first part is in progress and when the second part is in progress.

A content distribution server has also been disclosed that allows viewers participating in a virtual space used to distribute live content to express their appreciation or support for the live content by throwing unique virtual items into the virtual space (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

A content distribution system that can encourage viewer users to participate in a service has also been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 5).

Patent No. 6624766 JP 2020-834 A JP 2021-010181 A JP 2020-170519 A Patent No. 573567

For example, in multiplayer games such as fighting games, the outcome of the match is determined by the user's (player's) own skills and the strength (attack power, defense power, stamina, etc.) of the character controlled by the user. Therefore, when gameplay videos of such games are distributed, the viewers do not affect the outcome of the match.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned conventional technology does not disclose how viewers can participate in the game when watching multiplayer game videos that are distributed.

However, if viewers of such videos could intervene in the game and influence the outcome of the match, or affect the in-game environment or display environment, it is expected that various uncertainties will increase, causing unpredictable effects on the progress of the game. As a result, users will be more motivated to participate in the game, and viewers will also be more motivated to watch the videos and intervene.

Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that allows users who watch videos about a game in which multiple users participate to intervene in the game.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a display control unit that displays a video about a game in which multiple users including a first user and a second user participate, and multiple voting targets on a terminal, a reception unit that receives votes from the multiple terminals for at least one of the multiple voting targets, and a control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. The display control unit causes a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user to display a first voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the first user among the multiple voting targets in a first manner and a third voting target that is different from the first voting target in a second manner, and causes a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user to display a second voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the second user among the multiple voting targets in the first manner and a fourth voting target that is different from the second voting target in the second manner.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a user who watches a video about a game in which multiple users participate can intervene in the game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a gameplay video distribution system in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the gameplay video distribution system according to the present embodiment. 13 is an example of a viewing screen displayed on a viewer terminal during voting acceptance in this embodiment. 13 is another example of a viewing screen displayed on a viewer terminal during voting acceptance in this embodiment. 13 is an example of a viewing screen for a selected player at the start of a game in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a gameplay video distribution system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the vote tallying process (S13) in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the vote tallying process (S13) in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the vote tallying process (S13) in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the vote tallying process (S13) in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the vote tallying process (S13) in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of a configuration block diagram of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program in this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing device in this embodiment. The information processing device 1 includes a distribution unit 2, a reception unit 3, and a control unit 4. An example of the information processing device 1 is a server 15, which will be described later. The distribution unit 2 is an example of a display control unit, which will be described later. In the following, a user may simply be referred to as a player. For example, a first user may be referred to as a first player, a second user may be referred to as a second player, and multiple users may be referred to as multiple players. Note that users may include players of a game and viewers who watch videos related to the game.

The distribution unit 2 (display control unit 25) distributes videos related to a game in which multiple players (users) including a first player (first user) and a second player (second user) participate to a viewing terminal. The distribution unit 2 (display control unit 25) displays a first video associated with the first player on the first viewing terminal (first terminal) and displays a second video associated with the second player on the second viewing terminal (second terminal). The first video and the second video may be different videos.
An example of the first viewing terminal is a viewer terminal 12a, which will be described later, and an example of the second viewing terminal is a viewer terminal 12b, which will be described later.
An example of the first video associated with the first player is a video played on a first player viewing screen 41, which will be described later. For example, the first video is a game video for viewing the game play of the first player. The first video may be, for example, a game video displayed on the game screen of the first player, or a game video in which the game character operated by the first player is photographed by a virtual camera that follows the game character operated by the first player. An example of the second video associated with the second player is a video played on a second player viewing screen, which will be described later. For example, the second video is a game video for viewing the game play of the second player. The first video may be, for example, a game video displayed on the game screen of the second player, or a game video in which the game character operated by the second player is photographed by a virtual camera that follows the game character operated by the second player.

The display control unit 25 displays a channel selection screen on the viewing terminal of a user (viewer) who has accessed a specific website. The channel selection screen displays video channel information for multiple game videos that can be viewed by the user of the viewing terminal. The video channel information may include the video title and thumbnail of each game video, or player information such as the player's name. In this way, the video channels are displayed in association with each player. Videos that can be viewed by a user are, for example, videos in which a player is broadcasting game videos at the time the user displays the channel selection screen.

When the user performs a selection operation on the video channel information displayed on the channel selection screen, the viewing screen transitions to the viewing screen of the video channel for which the selection operation was performed. That is, the display control unit 25 causes the viewing terminal of the user to display a game video of the channel selected by the user from among the multiple videos displayed on the channel selection screen. At this time, if the acceptance of votes from viewers for that game video has not yet ended, information indicating multiple voting targets is displayed on the viewing terminal. Note that multiple voting targets may be displayed even after the acceptance of votes from viewers has ended, and a message may be displayed on the screen to the effect that the acceptance of votes has ended.

The reception unit 3 receives votes for one of a plurality of voting targets from a plurality of viewing terminals including a first viewing terminal and a second viewing terminal. The voting targets are, for example, game objects or game characters that affect game events. The voting targets are, for example, objects that can be placed in the game field and that can be acquired by a player character operated by a player and used for attack or defense, or in-game objects that can be equipped to a player character. The voting target may be, for example, a game character operated by a player, or an enemy character that fights against a game character operated by a player. An example of the reception unit 3 is the reception unit 26 described below.

The control unit 4 controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. The control unit 4 controls, for example, the game conditions at a predetermined time in the game. The game conditions at a predetermined time in the progress of the game include, for example, the conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of a match (battle) between players), and the conditions at the timing of the start of an event during the game (during the match) (at the start of the event). An example of controlling such game conditions includes placing a game object or the like determined by voting in the game field at the start of the game (at the start of the match). The control unit 4 may, for example, control the game object or game character determined by voting to be available to the player, or may cause the game character determined by voting to fight as an enemy character of the player. An example of the control unit 4 is the game environment control unit 23 described later.

This configuration allows viewers watching a streamed video of a game being played by multiple players to intervene in the game.

The display control unit 25 causes a first terminal displaying a first video associated with a first player to display, among multiple voting targets, a first voting target identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the first player in a first manner, and to display a third voting target different from the first voting target in a second manner.

The first voting target is, for example, a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from the first player among multiple voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The control unit 4 receives a designation operation from the first player for any voting target among the multiple voting targets, and identifies the designated voting target as the first voting target. The first player can, for example, designate some of the multiple voting targets up to a predetermined upper limit. The first player can, for example, designate a voting target that corresponds to a game object that the first player wants to use in the game.

The first voting target may be, for example, a voting target identified based on information about the first user. For example, the first voting target may be identified based on the player group to which the first user belongs, or the player rank or level of the first user. For example, a voting target set in correspondence with the player group to which the first user belongs may be identified as the first voting target. For example, if the player rank of the first user is equal to or above a predetermined value (or equal to or below a predetermined value), a predetermined voting target may be identified as the first voting target. Furthermore, the information about the first user may include information about the play history of the first user.

The first voting target may be, for example, a voting target that is identified based on the play history of the first player among multiple voting targets displayed on the first terminal. For example, a voting target that the first player specified during a predetermined period in the past (e.g., one week prior to the present time) may be identified as the first voting target. Also, among multiple voting targets, a voting target that the first player specified relatively more times during a predetermined period in the past may be identified as the first voting target. Also, the first voting target may be identified based on a game object or game character that the first player has used in the past or currently. Also, the first voting target may be identified based on the results of the first player's past game play (e.g., wins and losses). For example, an object that is compatible with the player character selected by the first player as a character to be used in game play (such as attributes or usable techniques) may be identified as the first voting target. Also, for example, an object that the first player previously selected as an object (weapon) to use in gameplay and that performed well in that gameplay (having a relatively large number of victories over other players compared to other objects) may be identified as the first voting target.

The third voting target is at least one voting target that is different from the first voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The third voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the first voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The third voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the first voting target and the second voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the first terminal.

The display control unit 25 also causes a second terminal displaying a second video associated with the second player to display, among the multiple voting targets, a second voting target identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the second player in a first manner, and to display a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in a second manner.

The second voting target is, for example, a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from the second player among multiple voting targets displayed on the second terminal. The control unit 4 receives a designation operation from the second player for any voting target among the multiple voting targets, and identifies the designated voting target as the second voting target. The second player can, for example, designate some of the multiple voting targets up to a predetermined upper limit. The second player can, for example, designate a voting target that corresponds to a game object that the second player wants to use in the game.

The second voting target may be, for example, a voting target identified based on information about the second user. For example, the second voting target may be identified based on the player group to which the second user belongs, or the player rank or level of the second user. For example, a voting target set in association with the player group to which the second user belongs may be identified as the second voting target. For example, if the player rank of the second user is equal to or above a predetermined value (or equal to or below a predetermined value), a predetermined voting target may be identified as the second voting target. Furthermore, the information about the second user may include information about the play history of the second user.

The second voting target may be, for example, a voting target that is identified based on the play history of the second player among multiple voting targets displayed on the second terminal. For example, a voting target that the second player specified during a predetermined period in the past (e.g., one week prior to the present time) may be identified as the second voting target. Also, among multiple voting targets, a voting target that the second player specified relatively more times during a predetermined period in the past may be identified as the second voting target. Also, the second voting target may be identified based on a game object or game character that the second player has used in the past or currently. Also, the second voting target may be identified based on the play results (e.g., wins and losses) of the game by the second player in the past. For example, an object that is compatible with the player character selected by the second player as a character to be used in game play (such as attributes or usable techniques) may be identified as the second voting target. Also, for example, an object that the second player previously selected as an object (weapon) to use in gameplay and that performed well in that gameplay (having a relatively large number of victories over other players compared to other objects) may be identified as the second voting target.

The fourth voting target is at least one voting target that is different from the second voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the second terminal. The fourth voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the second voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the second terminal. The fourth voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the first voting target and the second voting target among the multiple voting targets displayed on the second terminal.

The first and second modes are different display modes. For example, the first voting target (second voting target) is displayed in the first mode, and the third voting target (fourth voting target) is displayed in the second mode, so that each voting target can be displayed in a distinguishable manner. The first and second modes may differ in the characters and patterns that display the voting target, the color or blinking state of the pattern, the mark displayed together with the voting target, etc. The display in the first mode is, for example, a highlighted display such as blinking the characters or patterns that indicate the voting target or surrounding them with a thick frame. The display in the first mode may be, for example, a display indicating that the voting target is linked to a player associated with the video displayed on the viewing terminal. For example, the first voting target linked to the first player is displayed in the first mode on the first terminal on which the video of the first player is played, and the second voting target linked to the second player is displayed in the first mode on the second terminal on which the video of the second player is played. The display control unit 25, in the first mode, indicates that the voting target is associated with the player by, for example, attaching the name of the player associated with the voting target or a color or mark representing the player to the voting target. The display in the second mode is, for example, a normal display without highlighting or display associated with a specific player. That is, the voting target displayed in the first mode is displayed on the terminal so as to be more emphasized than the voting target displayed in the second mode. The display control unit 25 displays the specific voting target on the viewer terminal with a higher emphasis than other voting targets by changing the display mode of the characters or patterns of the voting target. Note that in this embodiment, an example in which the first mode is highlighted and the second mode is normal display will be described, but the first mode may be normal display and the second mode may be highlighted, or the first mode may be a first highlighted display and the second mode a second highlighted display different from the first highlighted display.

By configuring it in this way, the voting target identified on each viewing terminal based on at least one of the player's information and operations associated with the video being displayed can be displayed in a different manner from other voting targets, providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to help them vote.

The display control unit 25 may cause the first terminal to display the second voting target among the multiple voting targets in a third manner. The display control unit 25 may also cause the second terminal to display the first voting target among the multiple voting targets in a third manner. The third manner is a display manner different from the first manner and the second manner. For example, by displaying the first voting target (second voting target) in the first manner and the second voting target (first voting target) in the third manner, it is possible to display each voting target in an identifiable manner. Also, by displaying the third voting target (fourth voting target) in the second manner and the second voting target (first voting target) in the third manner, it is possible to display each voting target in an identifiable manner. The display in the third manner is, for example, a display indicating that the voting target is linked to a player different from the player associated with the video displayed on the viewing terminal. For example, the second voting target associated with the second player is displayed in the third manner on the first terminal on which the video of the first player is played, and the first voting target associated with the first player is displayed in the third manner on the second terminal on which the video of the second player is played. The display control unit 25 indicates that the voting target is associated with the player, for example, by attaching the name of the player associated with the voting target or a color or mark representing the player to the voting target as the third manner. Specifically, the display control unit 25 may display the voting targets designated by each of the other players other than the first player in the first video in a different manner for each player. This makes it easier for the viewer to distinguish between the voting target associated with the player he is watching, the voting target associated with the player who is the opponent of the player he is watching, and the other voting targets, and can refer to this when selecting who to vote for.

The control unit 4 may place objects corresponding to one or more voting targets with the highest number of votes in the game space in proportions according to the number of votes for each of the one or more voting targets. For example, if the proportions of the number of votes for the top three targets are object A: 60%, object B: 30%, and object C: 10%, six objects A, three objects B, and one object C may be placed on the game field.

By configuring it in this way, the impact of the number of viewers' votes will be reflected in the game (reducing the number of wasted votes that are not reflected in the game), which is expected to stimulate viewers' desire to vote and encourage them to vote.

The reception unit 3 may allow voting on the viewing terminal each time the video is played continuously for a predetermined period of time on the viewing terminal.

This configuration requires viewers to watch a video for a certain amount of time in order to vote, which is expected to increase viewers' willingness to watch distributed videos and contribute to increasing viewing time.

The reception unit 3 may receive votes for a voting target in one or both of the first video and the second video from any one of the viewing terminals during the same voting period. The control unit 4 may also cause any one of the viewing terminals to display the voting status for a specific voting target in the first video, and may not cause any one of the viewing terminals to display the voting status for a specific voting target in the second video.

By configuring it in this way, viewers can switch the viewing screen to see which player's side they want to watch, and can vote for each player via the viewing screen for each player they have switched to. Also, it may be possible to configure it so that viewers can only check the voting status of the player they are supporting, and cannot check the voting status of the other players.

The control unit 4 may prohibit a viewing terminal that has played the first video for a first predetermined time (e.g., the time until the voting period ends) from posting information about the second video for a second predetermined time.

By configuring it in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent a viewer who has watched the first player's strategy from posting something on the second player's viewing screen that reveals that strategy and thus influencing the votes of other viewers.

The plurality of voting targets include a first voting target specified based on at least one of information and operations of a first player, and a second voting target specified based on at least one of information and operations of a second player. The control unit 4 controls the game conditions to reflect either the first voting target or the second voting target, based on the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target.
Here, the voting target for which a designation operation has been received from the player may be, for example, a voting target arbitrarily selected by the player from among predetermined voting targets, or a new voting target arbitrarily selected and added from among objects owned by the player in addition to the predetermined voting targets.

By configuring it in this way, the player may specify the voting target (object) that he or she desires. Also, only the voting target for which the greater number of votes was cast between the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target may be reflected in the game. By only reflecting one of the voting targets in the game, for example, a voting battle can be generated in which viewers supporting each player compete with each other to see who can get the most votes, which makes the voting act more interesting and increases viewers' motivation to vote.

The control unit 4 may reduce the number of votes for the first voting target in response to an operation to select the first voting target received from the viewing terminal.

By configuring it in this way, for example, a viewer who is rooting for the opponent player of the first player can interfere with the selection of the object specified by the first player, i.e., the viewer can intervene in the game, which can increase the viewer's motivation to watch the game.

The multiple voting targets may include a first voting target designated by the first player and a second voting target designated by the second player. In this case, the control unit 4 may control the weighting of the votes for the first voting target and the second voting target according to the difference between the parameters of the first player and the second player, and reflect this in the voting result. The parameters related to the player may be the attack power, defense power, stamina, HP, popularity rank, etc. of the player character, or information related to the player's own popularity or skills, strength rank information about the player, etc. The weighting may be such that, for example, the larger the parameter difference, the more preferential the votes for the player with the smaller parameter value are. Specifically, when the parameter difference exceeds a first threshold, the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M=2, 3, 4, ...).

By configuring it this way, if there are differences in skills or abilities between players, handicaps can be set to adjust for those differences, allowing even weaker players to play on an equal footing with stronger players, preventing players from dropping out of the game. It also opens the door to more opportunities, encouraging less experienced players to participate.

The control unit 4 may give a privilege related to the first player to a viewer who satisfies a predetermined condition for voting for the first video, and weight the votes by favoring votes from viewers who have a predetermined amount of privileges or more compared to votes from viewers who have less than the predetermined amount of privileges. Here, favoring may mean, for example, weighting the number of votes from the viewer to be counted a predetermined number times (e.g., double, triple, etc.). Also, for example, if a certain amount of video viewing time is required to acquire the right to vote, the video viewing time to acquire the right to vote may be reduced to 1/2, 1/3, etc. Also, for example, if the maximum number of votes per viewer is regulated, the maximum number of votes may be multiplied by a predetermined number (e.g., double, triple, etc.).

By configuring it in this way, viewers who have voted can be given benefits related to the player they voted for (e.g., the player they are rooting for), and the viewer's vote can be favored according to the amount of benefits they have accumulated, which allows viewers to continue voting and prevents them from dropping out.

The reception unit 3 may receive a first vote for determining the type of object corresponding to the voting target, and a second vote for determining the timing for placing an object of the type determined by the first vote in the game space. One example of the timing for placing an object in the game space may be placing a recovery object or an object specialized in attack power when the accumulated damage of the player character of the side being supported exceeds a predetermined value.

By configuring it this way, viewers can vote to decide not only the type of object but also the timing of object placement, increasing the degree of viewer involvement in the game. Depending on the timing of object placement, it can have a major impact on the battle situation, making the battle more chaotic and exciting, which in turn stimulates the interest of viewers.

The control unit 4 may place the object corresponding to the vote target in a manner based on an instruction from the viewing terminal determined based on the number of votes for the object. For example, the control unit 4 may determine the position in the game space where the object is to be placed and the timing of placement based on an instruction from the viewer who voted the most for that object.

By configuring it this way, the votes of viewers with a large number of votes will have a large impact on the game, which will encourage viewers to vote.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the network configuration of a gameplay video distribution system in this embodiment. The gameplay video distribution system 11 includes one or more terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "viewer terminals") 12, a server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 15, one or more terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "player terminals") 16, and a communication network 17. The viewer terminals 12, the server 15, and the player terminals 16 are connected to each other via the communication network 17 so that they can communicate with each other.

The player terminal 16 is a terminal device operated by a player who plays the game program in this embodiment. The player terminal 16 is an electronic terminal device with a communication function that can be connected to a communication network, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.

A web browser for browsing information on the Internet is installed on the player terminal 16. The web browser is software for connecting to a web server, and has functions such as displaying web pages and following hyperlinks. The player terminal 16 can display images generated by the server 15 via the web browser.

In the following, the player terminal 16 used by the first player is referred to as player terminal 16a. The player terminal 16 used by the second player is referred to as player terminal 16b.

The viewer terminal 12 is a portable electronic terminal device with a communication function that can be connected to a communication network, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or mobile phone. The viewer terminal 12 has an operation display unit 13, a microphone for inputting sound, a speaker for outputting sound, and the like. The operation display unit 13 is a device that allows input operations to be made to the screen 14 and displays images on the screen 14, such as a touch panel display. The viewer terminal 12 may be a so-called personal computer. A web browser for browsing information on the Internet is installed on the viewer terminal 12.

In the following, the viewer terminal 12 used by the first viewer is referred to as viewer terminal 12a, and the operation display unit 13 and screen 14 of the viewer terminal 12a are referred to as operation display unit 13a and screen 14a, respectively. Furthermore, the viewer terminal 12 used by the second viewer is referred to as viewer terminal 12b, and the operation display unit 13 and screen 14 of the viewer terminal 12b are referred to as operation display unit 13b and screen 14b, respectively.

The server 15 is an information processing device that distributes video of the play environment and play status of the game program according to this embodiment, and manages votes received from viewers. For example, the server 15 manages information about players using the game program (e.g., play content, status information of the characters being played, point information, etc.), and manages information about charges. The server 15 also manages screen display control during a match between players, and calculation and management of damage of the characters (player characters) operated by each player. The server 15 also solicits voting candidates from viewers, selects some from the voting candidates received from the viewers, receives votes from the selected voting targets, and controls game conditions according to the results of the received votes. The server 15 also distributes video of a screen in which player characters compete against each other to the viewer terminal 12.

Server 15 may be a server system consisting of one or more physical information processing devices, or it may be a virtual server system consisting of one or more virtual server devices.

Here, an overview of an example of a game in this embodiment will be described. The player operates the player terminal 16 to access the game according to this embodiment using a web browser and starts the game. The player can live stream the game screen he or she is playing at any time via a video streaming service.

Next, the flow up to a match with another player will be described. First, on a screen (e.g., a lobby screen) preceding the screen where the actual match is played, each player may, for example, select equipment for the player character, check the equipment and status, invite other player characters such as ally player characters, organize the members to form a group, select an opponent group, select a match stage, etc. Organizing the members to form a group includes joining and leaving a group. By selecting an opponent group, matching is completed and the players who will participate in the match (e.g., 3 people x 4 teams) are determined. Note that if the number of participants is less than the capacity, the number may be filled by non-player characters (NPCs).

Next, each player sets the player character they will control and the objects they will bring into the battle stage. This determines the external design of the player character.

Next, after the player selects the battle stage, a specified voting time is set, during which the server 15 accepts votes from viewers regarding the objects they wish to provide to the player they are supporting. At this time, viewers can vote while considering the characteristics and compatibility of each player character. Depending on the settings, viewers may be allowed to cast as many votes as they like. Players are affected by the voting results depending on the characteristics and play style of their own player character, or on its compatibility with the stage.

Next, we will explain about the battle. When the battle begins, each player can acquire obtainable objects that are placed on the game field and equip them. The objects placed on the game field include objects determined by the voting results. Each player can also acquire an object determined by the voting results for their own player character and use it as a weapon to attack.

The voting system in this embodiment will now be described. As an example, a vote is for deciding what object will be placed on the field at the start of the game. For example, a vote may be made by posting an entry in a comment input field of a video distribution service.

The server 15 displays N types of objects randomly selected from among more than N types of objects (N is a positive integer) on the game screen, and the viewer considers which object to vote for from among the N types of objects. The server 15 accepts the name of the object to be placed on the field from the viewer via the comment input field of the video distribution service. When the viewer enters text in the comment field and recognizes a specific character string that corresponds to the object name, this is counted as one vote. In principle, each viewer may be allowed to cast any number of votes.

The server 15 tallies the vote results, ranks each object based on the number of votes it has received, and places the top K types of objects (K is a positive integer; K<N) in random positions on the game field. For example, let K=3.

At this time, the number of objects to be placed may also reflect the proportion of the number of votes. For example, consider the case where object A: 60 votes, object B: 30 votes, object C: 10 votes, object D: 5 votes, object E: 5 votes, and other objects: 0 votes. In this case, the top three objects with the highest vote rates, A (60%), B (30%), and C (10%), are placed, and D, E, and other objects are not placed.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the gameplay video distribution system 11 in this embodiment. The server 15 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 28, and a communication unit 29. The communication unit 29 is an interface that enables communication with devices connected to the communication network 17. Here, the communication unit 29 communicates with the viewer terminals 12 (12a, 12b, ...) and the player terminals 16 (16a, 16b, ...) via the communication network 17.

The control unit 21 is a calculation device (processor) that controls the operation of the entire server 15. For example, the control unit 21 executes processes in response to requests from each of the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16, and returns the execution results to each of the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16. Specifically, the control unit 21 performs control such as authenticating the players playing the game, sharing screen information used by players when multiple people are playing, managing the content of play, managing charges, managing votes from viewers, and delivering video of the game screen to the viewer terminal 12.

The control unit 21 executes the program according to this embodiment, thereby functioning as a player-side control unit 22 and a viewer-side control unit 24. The player-side control unit 22 performs interface with the players and overall control of the game, including processing input and output on the player side, display control of the game screen, control of the music to be output, and control of game operations during a match.

The player-side control unit 22 includes a game environment control unit 23. The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions at a predetermined time point in the progression of the game, for example, in response to votes from viewers watching the game video. The game conditions at a predetermined time point in the progression of the game include, for example, conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of a match (battle) between players), conditions at the timing of the start of an event during the game (during the match) (at the start of the event), etc. Furthermore, an example of controlling such game conditions includes placing objects, etc. on the game field at the start of the game (at the start of the match).

The game environment control unit 23 may also arrange the object corresponding to the vote target in a manner based on an instruction from the viewing terminal determined based on the number of votes for the object. For example, the arrangement of the object and the timing of arrangement may be determined based on an instruction from the viewer who voted the most for that object.

The viewer-side control unit 24 performs processes such as delivering game screens to viewers, accepting votes from viewers, tallying the accepted votes, and determining the voting results based on the tallying results. The viewer-side control unit 24 includes a display control unit 25, a reception unit 26, and a vote processing unit 27.

The display control unit 25 controls the application program of the video distribution service to display the distribution screen on the viewer terminal 12 via a web browser, controls the voting target display area and comment input field provided on the distribution screen, and controls the distribution of the video of the game screen.

The reception unit 26 receives votes from the viewer terminal 12. The reception unit 3 may allow a vote at the viewer terminal 12 each time the viewer terminal 12 plays a video continuously for a predetermined time. The reception unit 26 may also not accept, i.e., prohibit, a viewer terminal 12 that has played the first video for a first predetermined time (e.g., the time until the voting period ends) from posting information about the second video for a second predetermined time.

The voting processing unit 27 counts the received votes to determine the voting results, weights the votes, etc. Furthermore, the voting processing unit 27 may reduce the number of votes for the first voting target in response to an operation to select the first voting target received from the viewer terminal 12, so that an object designated by a strong player is not selected.

The voting processing unit 27 may also give a bonus related to the first player to a viewer who satisfies a predetermined condition for voting for the first video, and weight the votes by favoring votes from viewers who have a bonus amount equal to or greater than a predetermined value compared to votes from viewers who have a bonus amount less than the predetermined value.

The storage unit 28 stores the programs according to this embodiment (including game programs, video distribution service programs, application program interfaces (APIs), etc.), the operating system (OS), and other programs. The storage unit 28 also stores game element data and various other data. Examples of game element data stored include player information, player character setting information, player character parameter information, viewer parameter information, background data, object data, item data, effect data, and sound data. Here, data includes not only status information and text data, but also graphical data.

Player information includes each player's account information and billing information. Player character setting information includes information about the player character selected by the player, and information about objects (weapons, armor, etc.) to be equipped to the player character. Player character parameter information includes, for example, parameters such as the player character's attack power, defense power, and stamina. Viewer parameter information includes each viewer's viewing time, number of views, number of votes, etc.

Background data includes, for example, data related to the background of a game stage, such as the game field. Object data includes object data for player character objects, connection objects, and other objects. When a player character obtains an object during a game, the player character's attack power, defense power, and stamina increase temporarily or permanently, and certain status parameters increase. Objects include, for example, objects for armament, recovery items that restore stamina parameters, and parameter-boosting items that temporarily or permanently increase attack power, defense power, etc.

Effect data is data related to, for example, effect images related to attacks to knock away enemy player objects, combination techniques, etc. Sound data is data related to music played during game play and sound effects used in various scenes, etc.

Figure 4 is an example of a viewing screen displayed on a viewer terminal in this embodiment when accepting votes. Figure 4 (A) is an example of a support player selection screen for selecting a player to support. A viewer accesses a specified website via a web browser installed on the viewer terminal, and selects and accesses a channel on the website where a specified player is hosting and distributing game videos, and the support player selection screen 31 in Figure 4 (A) is displayed. Here, for example, it is assumed that the first player has opened the channel as the host.

The supporting player selection screen 31 has player selection buttons 32 (first player selection button 32a, second player selection button 32b, ...) corresponding to each player. When one of the player selection buttons 32 is pressed, the viewer can vote for the object that he/she wants to provide to the player corresponding to the selected player selection button 32 on the following screen. That is, the player selection button 32 allows the viewer to select the player that he/she wants to support and to watch the game screen from that player's side. In the case of FIG. 4(A), if the viewer wants to support the first player, he/she presses the first player selection button 32a, and if the viewer wants to support the second player, he/she presses the second player selection button 32b. In this example, two players are broadcasting, but three or more players may broadcast, and the supporting player selection screen 31 may display the same number of selection buttons 32 corresponding to the number of players. The player selection button 32 may also be displayed on a specific player's side viewing screen as shown in FIG. 4(B) or FIG. 5.

Figure 4 (B) is an example of the first player's viewing screen when voting for an object that is desired to be placed on the game field. In Figure 4 (A), when any of the player selection buttons 32 is pressed, the player's viewing screen corresponding to that player selection button 32 is displayed. In Figure 4 (A), for example, when the first player selection button 32a is pressed, the first player's viewing screen 41 is displayed, and when the second player selection button 32b is pressed, the second player's viewing screen is displayed.

The first player's viewing screen 41 includes a selected player's viewing screen label display section 42, a comment section 43, a message display section 48, and a candidate object display section 49. The selected player's viewing screen label display section 42 is a label display that determines which player has been selected. As an example, the message display section 48 displays a message to the effect that "Please select and vote for the object you would like to place on the field from the objects below." In the candidate object display section 49, for example, N (e.g., N=25) objects are randomly selected and displayed.

The comment field 43 includes a viewer identification label 44, a post display section 45, a post input field 46, and a post button 47. In FIG. 4(A), the viewer identification label 44 displays a label (e.g., an icon image) that identifies the viewer who pressed the first player selection button 32a. The post display section 45 displays the post content of the viewer identified by the viewer identification label 44. The post input field 46 allows the user to input the content to be posted as text. The post button 47 posts the content entered in the post input field 46, and displays it in the post display section 45.

Each viewer selects an object (voting target) they wish to place in the field from the candidate object display field 49 in accordance with the message displayed in the message display section 48, inputs characters (text) corresponding to the selected voting target into the post input field 46, and presses the post input field 46. When text is input into the post input field 46, if a specific character string is recognized, the corresponding object is identified and this is counted as one vote for that object. Votes for this desired object (voting target) are accepted for a specific period of time. The first player's viewing screen 41 may include a voting status display section that shows the current voting status on the first player's side (e.g., how many votes have been received for which object).

As shown in FIG. 4(A), by pressing one of the player selection buttons 32, the viewer can switch the viewing screen of which player they wish to watch, and can vote for each player via the viewing screen of each player they have switched to.

It is also possible to allow viewers to only view the viewing screen of the player they are supporting, and not view the viewing screen of the other players, thereby making it impossible for them to check the voting status of the other players. Also, viewers can freely switch between the viewing screens of either player to view, but may only see the voting status (such as how many votes have been given to which object) of one player (the player they want to support).

In addition, a viewing terminal that has played the first player's viewing screen for a predetermined time (e.g., the time until the voting period ends) may be prohibited from posting on the second player's viewing screen for a predetermined time. In this case, a viewing terminal that has played the first player's viewing screen for a predetermined time may be prohibited from pressing the second player selection button 32b in FIG. 4(A) for a predetermined time.

FIG. 5(A) is another example of the first player's viewing screen when voting for an object to be placed on the game field. In this example, since the first player has specified an automobile object, the automobile object is specified as the first voting target. Also, since the second player has specified a tree object, the tree object is specified as the second voting target. The display control unit 25 highlights the automobile object by displaying the frame of the automobile object thicker than the frame of other objects on the first player's viewing screen 41. Also, the display control unit 25 displays a symbol "α" as a mark representing the first player near the automobile object on the first player's viewing screen 41, thereby indicating that the automobile object is the voting target designated by the first player. Such a display mode is an example of the first mode. Also, the display control unit 25 displays a symbol "β" as a mark representing the second player near the tree object on the first player's viewing screen 41, thereby indicating that the tree object is the voting target designated by the second player. This type of display mode is an example of the third mode. This allows the first voting target, the second voting target, and the other voting targets to be displayed in a distinguishable manner to the user viewing the first player side viewing screen.

5B is an example of the second player's viewing screen. The display control unit 25 highlights the tree object by displaying the border of the tree object thicker than the borders of other objects on the second player's viewing screen. The display control unit 25 also displays a symbol "β" as a mark representing the second player near the tree object on the second player's viewing screen, thereby indicating that the tree object is a voting target designated by the second player. This display mode is an example of the first mode. The display control unit 25 also displays a symbol "α" as a mark representing the first player near the automobile object on the second player's viewing screen, thereby indicating that the automobile object is a voting target designated by the first player. This display mode is an example of the third mode. This allows the first voting target, the second voting target, and other voting targets to be displayed in a distinguishable manner for a user viewing the second player's viewing screen.

Figure 6 is an example of the selected player's viewing screen at the start of a game in this embodiment. After a predetermined time has elapsed in Figure 4 (B), the first player's viewing screen 41 in Figure 6 is displayed. The first player's viewing screen 41 in Figure 6 includes a selected player's viewing screen label display section 42, a comment section 43, and a streaming video display section 61. Since everything except the streaming video display section 61 is the same as that described in Figure 4, a description thereof will be omitted.

The video distributed on the distribution video display unit 61 includes at least the game screen that the player who distributes the video is watching to play. In the example of FIG. 6, the distribution video display unit 61 displays the game screen at the start of the game. For example, a first player character 63 operated by a first player and a second player character 64 operated by a second player are placed on a game field 62. Then, as a result of the votes accepted in FIG. 4(B), the objects (car object 65, gas tank object 66, block object 67) with the highest number of votes (for example, K=3) are placed.

Each player character can obtain any object placed on the game field 62 and use it in the battle. Note that an object that is voted for and determined on the selected player's viewing screen of the corresponding player may be made available for acquisition and use only by the player character of that corresponding player.

Figure 7 is a sequence diagram of the gameplay video distribution system in this embodiment. Each player accesses the server 15 via a web browser installed on the player terminal 16, logs into the game in the gameplay video distribution system 11, and enters to compete (S1). That is, each player invites other player characters, such as ally player characters, organizes group members, selects opponent groups, etc., on a lobby screen or the like, via the web browser installed on the player terminal 16.

The server 15 (player control unit 22) matches the players who have registered to compete against each other (S2) and notifies each player terminal 16 that their opponents have been confirmed (S3).

Next, each player performs operations via the web browser installed on the player terminal 16 to select his/her player character, select the equipment for that character, and perform other settings (S4).

The server 15 (player-side control unit 22) performs settings for the player characters, their equipment, and other settings in response to the operation of S4 from each player (S5). The server 15 (voting processing unit 27) starts accepting input from viewers of objects they wish to place on the game field (S6). At this time, the server 15 (voting processing unit 27) notifies the player terminals 16 that they are waiting for votes (S7).

Meanwhile, the viewer accesses the website that provides the gameplay video distribution system 11 via a web browser installed on the viewer terminal 12 (S8).

The server 15 (display control unit 25) displays a list of competing player characters in a selectable format (S9). In this embodiment, as described in the supporting player selection screen 31 of FIG. 4(A), the list of competing player characters is displayed in the form of player selection buttons 32 (first player selection button 32a, second player selection button 32b, ...).

The viewer selects and presses a player selection button 32 (e.g., first player selection button 32a) corresponding to the player he or she wishes to support (e.g., the first player) from among the multiple player selection buttons 32 (S10).

The server 15 (display control unit 25) causes the viewer terminal 12 to display the first player side viewing screen 41 as shown in Fig. 4(B) At this time, the server 15 (display control unit 25) randomly selects N (e.g., N = 25) objects (types) from more than N types of objects set in advance, and displays them in the candidate object display field 49 (S11).

Each viewer selects an object they wish to place in the field from the candidate object display section 49 in the post input section 46, following the message displayed in the message display section 48. The viewer enters characters (text) corresponding to the selected voting target in the post input section 46 and presses the post button 47 to cast their vote (S12). When text is entered into the post input section 46, if the reception section 26 recognizes the specified character string, it identifies the corresponding object, and the voting processing section 27 counts this as one vote for that object.

The server 15 (reception unit 26) accepts the posts (votes) from each viewer terminal 12 in S15 above until a predetermined time has elapsed. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the server 15 (vote processing unit 27) performs vote tallying processing (S13). In S13, for example, the server 15 (vote processing unit 27) tallyes the votes collected in the voting results S12. The server 15 (game environment control unit 23) controls the game conditions based on the tallied voting results.

The server 15 (game environment control unit 23) notifies the player terminal 16 of the start of the game (S14) and controls the operating environment during the competitive game play.
The display control unit 25 distributes video of the game being played to the viewer terminal 12 (S15).

When the player receives a notification from the server 15 that the game has started, the player operates the player terminal 16 to play the competitive game (S16). During this play, the server 15 (display control unit 25) distributes video of the game being played.

In S11, the server 15 (display control unit 25) randomly selected N (e.g., N=25) objects (types) from more than N types of objects and displayed them in the candidate object display field 49, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the server 15 (display control unit 25) may receive, from viewers, objects that they wish to place on the game field by posting after the screen transition from the supporting player selection screen in FIG. 4(A) to the first player side viewing screen 41. The server 15 (reception unit 26) accepts the posts from each viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined time has elapsed. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the server 15 (display control unit 25) may hold a lottery from the objects collected from the viewers, select N (e.g., N=25) objects by the lottery, and display the first player side viewing screen 41 as shown in FIG. 4(B) on the viewer terminal 12.

Next, we will explain examples of variations of the vote counting process described in S13.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote tallying process (S13) in Example 1 of this embodiment. The acceptance unit 26 accepts votes from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period has elapsed (NO in S21 and S22).

After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S22), the voting processing unit 27 stops accepting votes (S23) and tallies the vote results (S24). The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions based on the tallied vote results (S25). The game conditions at a predetermined time in the progress of the game include, for example, conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of a battle between players), conditions at the timing of the start of an event during the game (at the start of the event), etc. In addition, the conditions are not limited to conditions at the start of a battle, and may be conditions at the beginning of the battle (until 1/3 of the battle time has elapsed), the middle stage (from 1/3 to 2/3 of the battle time has elapsed), the end stage (after 2/3 of the battle time has elapsed), etc. The condition may also be when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the match, when a certain game event occurs, when the number of player characters (surviving characters) who have not become unable to fight due to the match reaches a certain number, or when the parameters (HP, damage accumulation value, etc.) of a certain player character reach a certain value. An example of controlling such a game condition may include placing an object or the like on the game field at the start of the game (start of the match).

For example, in S24, the voting processing unit 27 determines the top K objects based on the number of votes obtained as a result of the tallying. The game environment control unit 23 places the determined objects on the game field as described in FIG. 6.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote tallying process (S13) in Example 2 of this embodiment. Example 2 describes an example in which a player specifies an object for which he wants viewers to vote, and the viewers vote for the specified object, and only the object specified by one of the players is reflected in the game depending on the number of votes.

The game environment control unit 23 accepts an object name designated by the player from the player terminal 16 (S31). The display control unit 25 sets the object name for which the designation operation from the player has been accepted as a voting target and displays it on the viewer terminal 12 (S32). Here, accepting an object name designated by the player means, for example, that the player selects one of the objects (voting targets) displayed in the candidate object display field 49 as a voting target, or that the player selects an object name not included in the N voting targets from among the objects owned by the player and adds it as a voting target. Hereinafter, the object designated as a voting target by the first player is referred to as the first voting target, and the object designated as a voting target by the second player is referred to as the second voting target.

In addition, when the viewer is viewing, for example, the first player side viewing screen, the display control unit 25 may display the first voting target designated by the first player on the first viewing terminal in a mode (first mode) different from the other voting targets, and may display the second voting target designated by the second player on the second viewing terminal in a mode (first mode) different from the other voting targets. The mode different from the other voting targets may be, for example, highlighting the first voting target designated by the first player by changing the color of the first voting target designated by the first player on the first player side viewing screen 41 shown in FIG. 4(B) or by surrounding the first voting target with a predetermined frame. Alternatively, the mode different from the other voting targets may be, for example, selecting an icon corresponding to the first voting target by default or displaying it at the top and the rightmost or leftmost position on the first player side viewing screen 41 shown in FIG. 4(B). The same applies to the display mode of the second voting target on the second player side viewing screen. By highlighting a voting target for which a designated operation has been received from a first player on the first terminal, and highlighting a voting target for which a designated operation has been received from a second player on the second terminal as a second voting target, viewers of the video of that player can recognize the object for which each player wants viewers to vote, and information that can be used as a reference for voting can be provided to users of each viewing terminal.

Here, an example has been described in which a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from a first player is displayed as a first voting target, and a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from a second player is displayed as a second voting target on the first viewing terminal and the second viewing terminal, but the first voting target and the second voting target may be identified in other ways. For example, the display control unit 25 may cause the viewer terminal 12 to display voting targets identified based on information about each player. Furthermore, the display control unit 25 may cause the viewer terminal 12 to display voting targets identified based on the play history of each player.

The display control unit 25 may display, on the first player's viewing screen 41, the first voting target among the multiple voting targets in a first manner, the second voting target in a third manner, and the other voting targets in a second manner. Similarly, the display control unit 25 may display, on the second player's viewing screen 41, the second voting target among the multiple voting targets in the first manner, the first voting target in a third manner, and the other voting targets in the second manner. This makes it easier for viewers to distinguish between the voting target associated with the player they are watching, the voting target associated with the player who is the opponent of the player they are watching, and the other voting targets, and can use this as a reference when selecting who to vote for.

The acceptance unit 26 accepts votes from the viewer terminal 12 until the specified period has elapsed (NO in S33 and S34).

After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S34), the voting processing unit 27 stops accepting votes (S35) and tallies the vote results (S36). The game environment control unit 23 reflects the voting target designated by one of the players in the game based on the number of votes for the voting target designated by each player (S37). That is, in S37, the game environment control unit 23 can reflect only one of the voting targets in the game based on the number of votes for the object designated by the first player (first voting target) and the number of votes for the object designated by the second player (second voting target). For example, if the number of votes for the object designated by the first player (first voting target) is 100 and the number of votes for the object designated by the second player (second voting target) is 50, the game environment control unit 23 may place only the object designated by the first voting target in the game field.

Also, it may be possible to make it so that the first voting target can only be voted for from the viewing screen of the first player, and the second voting target can only be voted for from the viewing screen of the second player.

The voting processing unit 27 may also weight the votes from the viewers according to information about the viewers (viewer rank information) and count the number of votes after weighting. Information about the viewers includes, for example, viewer rank information. Viewer rank information is evaluation information in which a viewer with a higher viewing time, number of views, and/or number of votes is given a higher rank. For example, a viewer who watches a video on the viewing screen for less than one hour has rank information = 1, and a viewer who watches for two hours or more has rank information = 2. In this case, votes from viewers who watch for two hours or more are weighted so that the number of votes per vote is counted twice.

The voting processing unit 27 may tally up the weighted voting results, and the game environment control unit 23 may reflect the tally up results in the game. This gives more preferential treatment to votes from viewers with higher rank information and can affect the game conditions, increasing viewers' motivation to watch in order to raise their rank.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote tallying process (S13) in Example 3 of this embodiment. Example 3 describes an example in which a player specifies an object for which he wants viewers to vote, and the viewers vote for the specified object, the votes are weighted according to the parameter differences between players, and the results are tallied and reflected in the game.

The game environment control unit 23 accepts an object name designated by the player from the player terminal 16 (S41). The display control unit 25 sets the object name accepted from the player as a voting target and displays it on the viewer terminal 12 (S42). Here, accepting an object name designated by the player means, for example, that the player selects one of the N objects (voting targets) displayed in the candidate object display field 49 as a voting target, or that the player selects an object name not included in the N voting targets from among the objects owned by the player and adds it as a voting target. Hereinafter, the object designated as a voting target by the first player is referred to as the first voting target, and the object designated as a voting target by the second player is referred to as the second voting target.

The acceptance unit 26 accepts votes from the viewer terminal 12 until the specified period has elapsed (NO in S43 and S44).

After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S44), the voting processing unit 27 ends the acceptance of votes (S45). The game environment control unit 23 calculates parameters related to the players and calculates parameter differences between the players (S46). The parameters related to the players may be the offensive power, defensive power, stamina, HP, popularity rank, etc. of the player character, or may be information related to the popularity of the player himself or herself, strength rank information about the player, etc.

The voting processing unit 27 weights the votes for the object specified by the player according to the parameter difference, and tally up the weighted votes (S47). For example, the weighting may be such that the greater the parameter difference, the more favorable the votes for the player with the smaller parameter value. Specifically, when the parameter difference exceeds a first threshold, the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M=2, 3, 4, ...).

At this time, the voting processing unit 27 may weight votes for the object specified by the player according to the parameter ratio, and tally up the weighted votes. For example, the weighting may favor votes for the player with the smaller parameter value as the parameter ratio increases. The parameter ratio may be, for example, a ratio of the parameters of the first player to the parameters of the second player of 1:2, 1:10, etc. When the ratio of the parameters of one player to the parameters of the other player becomes P times or more (P is a positive integer), the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M = 2, 3, 4, ...).

The game environment control unit 23 reflects the voting target designated by one of the players in the game based on the number of votes for the voting target designated by each player (S37). That is, in S37, the game environment control unit 23 can reflect only one of the voting targets in the game based on the number of votes for the object designated by the first player (first voting target) and the weighted number of votes for the object designated by the second player (second voting target). For example, if the number of votes for the object designated by the first player (first voting target) is 100 and the number of votes for the object designated by the second player (second voting target) is 50, the game environment control unit 23 may place only the object of the first voting target on the game field.

The voting processing unit 27 may weight the votes from the first viewer terminal that voted from the first player side viewing screen and the votes from the second viewer terminal that voted from the second player side viewing screen according to the difference between the total number of votes cast from the first player side viewing screen and the total number of votes cast from the second player side viewing screen. For example, the voting processing unit 27 may weight only the voting target that has received the most votes in the viewing screen with the fewer total votes out of the first player side viewing screen and the second player side viewing screen. This allows only the voting target that has received the most votes in the viewing screen with the less popular player side to be weighted in a preferential manner. The voting processing unit 27 may also weight the votes for the voting target that has received the most votes in the viewing screen of the player with the fewer views out of the first player and the second player (i.e., the less popular player).

This means that if there is a difference in popularity between players, a handicap can be set to adjust for that difference, allowing even unpopular players to play on an equal footing with popular players, preventing players from dropping out of the game. It also makes the game more open, encouraging less popular players to participate.

The voting processing unit 27 may determine the weighting of the number of votes by taking into account the result of the number of votes in the current vote, or may determine the weighting in advance of the vote based on the number of votes cast by each player on the viewing screen in the past.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote tallying process (S13) in Example 4 of this embodiment. Example 4 describes an example in which a first vote for determining the type of object and a second vote for determining the timing of placing an object of the type determined by the first vote are accepted from the viewer terminal 12.

The reception unit 26 receives, from the viewer terminal 12, a first vote for determining the type of object and a second vote for determining the timing of placing the object until a predetermined period of time has elapsed (NO in S51 and S52). The timing of the second vote may be, for example, the beginning of the match (until 1/3 of the match time has elapsed), the middle (from 1/3 to 2/3 of the match time has elapsed), or the end (after 2/3 of the match time has elapsed), or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or when a specific game event occurs, or when there are a certain number of players remaining.

After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S52), the voting processing unit 27 stops accepting votes (S53) and tallies the voting results for each of the first vote and the second vote. Based on the tallied results, the voting processing unit 27 determines the object with the most votes for each of the first vote and the second vote, and the timing for placing the object (S54).

The game environment control unit 23 places the object determined in S54 at the determined timing (S55).

In the second vote, instead of or in addition to voting for timing, a vote may be made regarding the location of where to place the object. For example, a vote may be made regarding a location such as near the first player or on top of a specific stage object.

The game environment control unit 23 may also place the object determined by voting in a manner (position or timing) based on instructions from a viewer terminal (the viewer who voted the most for that object) determined based on the number of votes for that object. This allows the votes of viewers with a large number of votes to have a large impact on the game, encouraging viewers to vote.

The game environment control unit 23 may also place objects corresponding to one or more voting targets with the highest number of votes in the game space in a ratio according to the number of votes. For example, if the ratios of the number of votes for the top three are object A: 60%, object B: 30%, and object C: 10%, six objects A, three objects B, and one object C may be placed on the game field. This can stimulate viewers' desire to vote and encourage voting behavior.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote tallying process (S13) in Example 5 of this embodiment. Example 5 describes an example in which a viewer who satisfies a predetermined condition for a vote from the viewing screen of a selected player is given a bonus related to that player, and votes are given preferential treatment according to the amount of bonuses held.

The acceptance unit 26 accepts votes from the viewer terminal 12 until the specified period has elapsed (NO in S61 and S62).

After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S62), the voting processing unit 27 ends the acceptance of votes (S63).

The voting processing unit 27 determines from which player's viewing screen the viewer cast their vote, based on the voting information transmitted from the viewer (S64). The voting information transmitted from the viewer includes information specifying from which player's viewing screen the vote was cast to support which player. In this example, it is assumed that it is determined from the voting information transmitted from the viewer that the viewer cast their vote from the first player's viewing screen 41.

If it is determined that the viewer has cast a vote from the first player's viewing screen 41 (YES in S64), the voting processing unit 27 determines whether the amount of rewards held by the viewer is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S65). Here, the rewards are assumed to be points, but are not limited to this, and may be items that can be used in a predetermined game, coupons that can be exchanged for merchandise, etc.

If the amount of privileges held by the viewer is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in S65), the voting processing unit 27 performs preferential treatment on the viewer (S66). The preferential treatment may, for example, be weighting the number of votes counted from the viewer so that it is multiplied by a predetermined number (e.g., double, triple, etc.). Also, for example, if a certain amount of video viewing time is required to acquire voting rights, the video viewing time required to acquire voting rights may be reduced to 1/2, 1/3, etc. Also, for example, if the maximum number of votes per viewer is regulated, the maximum number of votes may be multiplied by a predetermined number (e.g., double, triple, etc.).

If it is determined that the viewer did not cast a vote from the first player side viewing screen 41 (NO in S64), if the amount of rewards held by the viewer is less than a predetermined value (NO in S65), or after processing in S66, the voting processing unit 27 grants a predetermined number of points as a reward to the viewer (S67). S64 to S67 are repeated for each vote.

Then, the voting processing unit 27 tallies the voting results (S68). The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions based on the tallied voting results (S69).

In the embodiment described above, votes that add to the number of votes are accepted, but as a modified example, votes that subtract from the number of votes may be accepted. For example, the player-side viewing screen 41 may be provided with a "vote number up button" for switching to a mode in which votes that add to the number of votes are accepted, and a "vote number down button" for accepting votes that subtract from the number of votes. When the "vote number up button" is pressed, as described in S12 of FIG. 7, a vote for an object selected from the candidate object display field 49 is counted as one vote for that object. When the "vote number down button" is pressed, as described in S12 of FIG. 7, a vote for an object selected from the candidate object display field 49 is counted as one vote for that object. In this way, the number of votes for the second voting object may be reduced based on an operation to select a second voting object from the viewer terminal 12. This makes it possible to prevent an object designated by a strong player from being selected.

Figure 13 is an example of a configuration block diagram of a hardware environment of a computer that executes a program in this embodiment. A computer 81 functions as a viewer terminal 12, a player terminal 16, or a server 15. The computer 81 is composed of a CPU 82, a ROM 83, a RAM 84, a storage device 85, an input I/F 86, an output I/F 87, a communication I/F 88, a reading device 89, and a bus 90.

Here, CPU refers to a central processing unit. ROM refers to a read-only memory. RAM refers to a random access memory. I/F refers to an interface. A CPU 82, a ROM 83, a RAM 84, a storage device 85, an input I/F 86, an output I/F 87, a communication I/F 88, and, if necessary, a reading device 89 are connected to the bus 90.

The CPU 82 reads out the program according to this embodiment from the storage device 85, and executes the program as the player-side control unit (game environment control unit 23) and the viewer-side control unit 24 (display control unit 25, reception unit 26, voting processing unit 27). The ROM 83 is a read-only memory. The RAM 84 is a temporary storage memory.

The storage device 85 is a device that stores large amounts of information. Various types of storage devices can be used as the storage device 85, such as a hard disk, a solid-state drive (SSD), or a flash memory card. The storage device 85 stores programs and various data related to an embodiment of the present invention.

The input I/F 86 can be connected to input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, electronic camera, web camera, microphone, scanner, sensor, tablet, touch panel display, information reading device, etc. The output I/F 87 can be connected to output devices such as a display, touch panel display, projector, printer, speaker, etc.

The communication I/F 88 is an interface such as a port for connecting to a communication network and communicating with other devices. The communication network may be the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated line, a wired network, a wireless network, or the like. The reading device 89 is a device for reading portable recording media.

The program that realizes the processing described in the above embodiment may be stored, for example, in the storage device 85 from the program provider via the communication network and the communication I/F 88. The program that realizes the processing described in the above embodiment may also be stored in a portable storage medium that is commercially available and in circulation. In this case, the portable storage medium may be set in the reading device 89, and the program may be read and executed by the CPU 82. Various types of storage media can be used as the portable storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a USB memory device, or a semiconductor memory card. The program stored in such a storage medium is read by the reading device 89.

The program may be installed on a stand-alone computer, or may be installed by a cloud computer and provide only the functions to the player. In this embodiment, the server 15 is accessed using a web browser installed on the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16, and the gameplay video distribution system according to this embodiment operated on the server 15 side is controlled, but this is not limited to this. For example, an application program capable of communicating with the server 15 may be installed on the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16 to control the gameplay video distribution system in this embodiment.

Although this aspect has been described above based on the embodiment and modified examples, the embodiment of the above-mentioned aspect is intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and does not limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents are included in this aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate.

The main features of the information processing device, information processing method, and program according to the above-described embodiment will be described below.
(Appendix 1)
The information processing device according to the present embodiment includes a display control unit that causes a terminal to display a video relating to a game in which multiple users including a first user and a second user participate, and multiple voting targets, a reception unit that receives votes from multiple terminals for at least one of the multiple voting targets, and a control unit that controls progress of the game based on the received votes. The display control unit causes a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user to display a first voting target that is identified based on at least one of information or operation of the first user among the multiple voting targets in a first manner and a third voting target that is different from the first voting target in a second manner, and causes a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user to display a second voting target that is identified based on at least one of information or operation of the second user among the multiple voting targets in the first manner and a fourth voting target that is different from the second voting target in the second manner.
According to the above-mentioned information processing device, a voting target identified on each viewing terminal based on at least one of the user's information or operations associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, thereby providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.
(Appendix 2)
In the above-mentioned information processing device, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display in a first manner a voting target among a plurality of voting targets for which a designation operation has been received from the first user, and causes the second terminal to display in a first manner a voting target among a plurality of voting targets for which a designation operation has been received from the second user.
This allows each viewing terminal to display the voting target designated by the user associated with the video being displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, thereby providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.
(Appendix 3)
In the above-mentioned information processing device, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display in a first manner a voting target among a plurality of voting targets that is identified based on the play history of the first user, and causes the second terminal to display in a first manner a voting target among a plurality of voting targets that is identified based on the play history of the second user.
This allows each viewing terminal to display the voting target identified based on the user's play history associated with the video being displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, thereby providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.
(Appendix 4)
In the above-mentioned information processing device, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display the second voting target among the multiple voting targets in a third manner, and causes the second terminal to display the first voting target among the multiple voting targets in the third manner.
This allows each viewing terminal to display voting targets in different formats based on at least one of the user's information and operations associated with the video being displayed, and voting targets based on at least one of the information and operations of other users, thereby providing users of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.
(Appendix 5)
In the above-mentioned information processing device, the control unit controls the progress of the game by reflecting either the first voting target or the second voting target based on the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target.
This makes the voting experience more interesting and increases viewers' motivation to vote.
(Appendix 6)
Moreover, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes a display control process in which a computer displays a video relating to a game in which multiple users including a first user and a second user participate, and multiple voting targets on a terminal, an acceptance process in which the computer accepts votes for at least one of the multiple voting targets from the multiple terminals, and a control process in which the computer controls progress of the game based on the accepted votes. In the display control process, a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user is caused to display a first voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the first user among the multiple voting targets in a first manner and a third voting target that is different from the first voting target in a second manner, and a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user is caused to display a second voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the second user among the multiple voting targets in the first manner and a fourth voting target that is different from the second voting target in the second manner.
According to the above information processing method, a voting target identified on each viewing terminal based on at least one of user information or operations associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, thereby providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.
(Appendix 7)
The program according to the present embodiment is a program that causes a computer to function as a display control unit that causes a terminal to display a video relating to a game in which multiple users including a first user and a second user participate, and multiple voting targets, an acceptance unit that accepts votes from multiple terminals for at least one of the multiple voting targets, and a control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the accepted votes. The display control unit causes a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user to display a first voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the first user among the multiple voting targets in a first manner and a third voting target that is different from the first voting target in a second manner, and causes a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user to display a second voting target that is identified based on at least one of the information or operation of the second user among the multiple voting targets in the first manner and a fourth voting target that is different from the second voting target in the second manner.
According to the above program, a voting target identified on each viewing terminal based on at least one of the user's information or operations associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, thereby providing the user of each viewing terminal with information to use as a reference for voting.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 2 Distribution unit 3 Reception unit 4 Control unit 11 Game play video distribution system 12 (12a, 12b) Viewer terminal 13 (13a, 13b) Operation display unit 14 (14a, 14b) Screen 15 Server 16 (12a, 12b) Player terminal 17 Communication network 21 Control unit 22 Player side control unit 23 Game environment control unit 24 Viewer side control unit 25 Display control unit 26 Reception unit 27 Voting processing unit 28 Memory unit 29 Communication unit

Claims (4)

One or more processors, the one or more processors
displaying on a terminal a video and voting targets relating to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate;
Controlling the progress of the game based on votes received from a plurality of terminals;
displaying, in a first terminal that displays the game video of the first user, a first voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the first user and a third voting target different from the first voting target in different display modes;
displaying, in a second terminal that displays the game video of the second user, a second voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the second user and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in different display modes;
Information processing device. The one or more processors cause a terminal to display a video and voting targets related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate;
one or more processors control the progress of the game based on votes received from a plurality of terminals;
one or more processors cause a first terminal that displays the game video of the first user to display a first voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the first user and a third voting target different from the first voting target in different display modes;
one or more processors cause a second terminal displaying the game video of the second user to display a second voting target specified based on at least one of information or an operation of the second user and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in different display modes;
Information processing methods. One or more processors,
A process of displaying on a terminal a video and voting targets related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate;
A process of controlling the progress of the game based on votes received from a plurality of terminals;
a process of displaying, in a first terminal that displays the game video of the first user, a first voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the first user and a third voting target different from the first voting target in different display modes;
a process of displaying, in a second terminal that displays the game video of the second user, a second voting target identified based on at least one of information and an operation of the second user and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in different display modes;
A program that executes the following. A server and a terminal are provided,
The server,
displaying on a terminal a video and voting targets relating to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate;
Controlling the progress of the game based on votes received from a plurality of terminals;
displaying, in a first terminal that displays the game video of the first user, a first voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the first user and a third voting target different from the first voting target in different display modes;
displaying, in a second terminal that displays the game video of the second user, a second voting target identified based on at least one of information or an operation of the second user and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in different display modes;
system.

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