JP7755146B2 - Information processing system, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Recently, a communication system and method have been disclosed that allows a distributor to communicate with users who are viewing content while the distributor is distributing the content to them (Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-172200 A

However, with conventional technology, simply displaying posts about game videos on the video viewing screen when streaming game videos limits the extent to which it can deepen communication between the streamer (the game player) and the viewer, leaving room for improvement in the entertainment value unique to games.

In light of the above circumstances, this disclosure aims to provide technology that enables new forms of entertainment through the distribution and viewing of game videos.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided. This information processing system is configured to execute the following steps: In the progression step, a first terminal progresses a game based on game operations received from a first user. In the output step, distribution data is output to a video distribution site to distribute a video showing a game screen in which the game is progressing to a second terminal of a second user. In the acquisition step, identification information identifying the second user is acquired from the video distribution site based on a post from the second user regarding the video. In the identification step, second user information representing the second user is identified based on the acquired identification information. In the display step, a game screen including the second user information is displayed on the first terminal.

This disclosure provides technology that enables new entertainment through the distribution and viewing of game videos.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server device 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a control unit 23 in a server device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first terminal 4. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by a control unit 46 in a first terminal 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. 10 is an example of a video viewing screen 7 displayed on a second terminal 5. 10 is an example of a game screen 8 displayed on the first terminal 4. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. 10 is an example of a video viewing screen 9 displayed on a second terminal 5. 10 is an example of a game screen 10 displayed on a first terminal 4. 10 is an example of a game screen 11 displayed on the first terminal 4.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below using the drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for realizing the software featured in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure handle a variety of information, which may be represented, for example, by physical signal values representing voltage or current, high or low signal values as a collection of binary bits consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

In a broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least an appropriate combination of a circuit, circuitry, processor, memory, etc. In other words, it includes application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)).

[First embodiment]
1. Description of the Game Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1, a server device 2, a video distribution site 3, a first terminal 4, and a plurality of second terminals 5 are connected to each other via a communication network 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The game according to this embodiment is an online game executed on information processing system 1. A user of this game (hereinafter simply referred to as a "game user") controls one or more player characters to act in the game's virtual space, and pits the player characters against enemy characters, which are non-player characters.

The above-described games are played using a first terminal 4 or a second terminal 5, which may be a home game console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. The following describes an example in which the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 are smartphones.

2. Overview of Information Processing System 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the information processing system 1 includes a server device 2, a video distribution site 3, a first terminal 4, and a plurality of second terminals 5, which are connected via a communication network 6. These components will be further described. Here, the system exemplified as the information processing system 1 is composed of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even the server device 2 alone is an example of a system.

The server device 2 stores the game program and game data, and manages the game data (for each game account information described below) of the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5.

Video distribution site 3 is installed and managed by a video distribution service operator, and provides various services related to video distribution to distributors and viewers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "service users") via dedicated applications or websites.

The first terminal 4 is a terminal operated by the first user FU. The first terminal 4 executes a predetermined game based on the game operations of the first user FU. To do so, the first terminal 4 receives (specifically, downloads and installs) a game program and game data from the server device 2 via the communication network 6. Each first user FU is assigned game account information, including identification information such as a game ID and a password, in association with the first terminal 4. This game account information is transmitted from the first terminal 4 to the server device 2 and is used for authentication processing on the server device 2.

After the authentication process, the server device 2 and the first terminal 4 are able to communicate with each other. After the authentication process, the first terminal 4 receives data necessary for the game to proceed (data related to the game progress status) from the server device 2, and then progresses the game while outputting game images and sounds to the display 61 and speaker 62 based on the game operations of the first user FU.

In addition, the first user FU can upload videos showing game screens of a game being played through the first user's own game operations to the video distribution site 3 via the server device 2 or the first terminal 4. The video distribution site 3 can appropriately distribute the videos uploaded by the first user FU, who is the distributor, to multiple second terminals 5.

The second terminal 5 is a terminal operated by the second user SU. Note that in FIG. 1, the second terminal 5 used by the second user SU1 is represented as the second terminal 5a, the second terminal 5 used by the second user SU2 as the second terminal 5b, and the second terminal 5 used by the second user SU3 as the second terminal 5c. The second terminal 5 can display videos distributed from the video distribution site 3. Furthermore, the second user SU using the second terminal 5 can post C, such as a message M, to the videos distributed from the video distribution site 3. Furthermore, the second terminal 5, like the first terminal 4 described above, can execute a predetermined game based on the game operation of the second user SU.

2.1 Hardware Configuration Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4. Note that each of the multiple second terminals 5 has the same configuration.

<Server device 2>
2, the server device 2 includes a network interface 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a bus 29.

The network interface 21 is communicatively connected to a video distribution site 3, a first terminal 4, and multiple second terminals 5 via a communication network 6 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

The storage unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, including part of the game program according to this embodiment, as well as various game-related data.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the server device 2, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 23 realizes various functions related to the server device 2, which is its own device, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, the information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 22 is specifically realized by the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, and the various means described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 23 is not limited to being single, and it may be implemented with multiple control units 23 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

<Video Streaming Site 3>
The video distribution site 3 has a network interface, a storage unit, and a control unit. The network interface and the storage unit are electrically connected to the control unit via a bus.

The network interface is communicatively connected to the server device 2 and multiple second terminals 5 via a communication network 6 such as the Internet or a LAN.

The storage unit is composed of HDD, RAM, ROM, SSD, etc. Specifically, the storage unit stores account information for service users who use the video distribution service (hereinafter simply referred to as "service account information"), service user login history, a video database, various programs required to run the video distribution service, etc.

The control unit is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the video distribution site 3, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit realizes various functions related to the video distribution site 3, which is its own device, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 22. Here, the various functions include various functions related to video distribution, such as the function of managing service users, the function of managing videos uploaded by distributors, and the function of distributing videos to viewers. Note that the control unit is not limited to a single unit, and it may be implemented with multiple control units for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

<First terminal 4>
4 , the first terminal 4 has a display 61, a speaker 62, and a touchpad 63 either externally connected or built-in. The first terminal 4 also has a network interface 41, a graphics processing unit 42, an audio processing unit 43, an operation unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a control unit 46. The network interface 41, the graphics processing unit 42, the audio processing unit 43, the operation unit 44, and the storage unit 45 are electrically connected to the control unit 46 via a bus 49.

The network interface 41 is communicatively connected to the communication network 6 to transmit and receive various data between the first terminal 4 and the server device 2.

The graphics processing unit 42 renders game images, including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space, in a moving image format in accordance with the game image information output from the control unit 46. The graphics processing unit 42 is connected to a display 61, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, and the game images rendered in a moving image format are displayed on the display 61 as a game screen.

The audio processing unit 43 is connected to the speaker 62, and plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with instructions from the control unit 46, and outputs it from the speaker 62.

The operation unit 44 is connected to the touchpad 63 and transmits and receives data related to operation inputs to and from the touchpad 63. For example, the first user FU inputs operation signals to the first terminal 4 by touching the touchpad 63.

The storage unit 45 is composed of an HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 45 stores game data downloaded from the server device 2, various programs including part of the game program, game account information for the first terminal 4, etc.

The control unit 46 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the first terminal 4, which is its own device. In particular, the control unit 46 realizes various functions related to the first terminal 4, which is its own device, by reading out predetermined programs stored in the storage unit 45. In other words, the information processing by the software stored in the storage unit 45 is specifically realized by the control unit 46, which is an example of hardware, and the various means described below can be executed. Note that the control unit 46 is not limited to being single, and it may be implemented with multiple control units 46 for each function. A combination of these may also be used.

<Second terminal 5>
The second terminal 5 has the same hardware configuration as the first terminal 4, and therefore its description will be omitted. However, the network interface is communicably connected to the server device 2 and the video distribution site 3 via a communication network 6 such as the Internet and a LAN.

2.2 Functional Configuration Next, each functional configuration of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. FIG.

<Server device 2>
The following describes the functional configuration of the server device 2 according to this embodiment. As described above, various functions of the server device 2 can be executed by each means included in the control unit 23, which is an example of hardware, by specifically implementing information processing by software stored in the storage unit 22.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the control unit 23 in the server device 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the server device 2, which is an example of the information processing system 1, includes an information processing unit 2301, a matching unit 2302, a receiving unit 2303, an acquisition unit 2304, a determination unit 2305, an identification unit 2306, a determination unit 2307, a display unit 2308, a transmission unit 2309, an output unit 2310, an adjustment unit 2311, a storage unit 2312, a progression unit 2313, and a game control unit 2314.

As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 22 also stores a game user DB 221. The game user DB 221 stores, for each game account information including a game user's identification information such as a game ID and a password, information such as a game user name GN, a game user rank UR, status information related to the player character operated by the game user, the amount of consumable media usable within the virtual space of the game, information related to parameters, and attribute information of the game user such as the game user's gender, age, occupation, and residential area, in association with the game user's name GN, game user rank UR, status information related to the player character operated by the game user, and attribute information of the game user such as the game user's gender, age, occupation, and residential area.

The information processing means 2301 is configured to send and receive various data between the first terminal 4, the second terminal 5, and the video distribution site 3. Main data received by the information processing means 2301 from the first terminal 4 or the second terminal 5 includes game program download request information, a game execution request, an autoplay execution/end request, game account information, game data, etc. Main data sent by the information processing means 2301 to the first terminal 4 or the second terminal 5 includes information for confirming that the game program has been received by the first terminal 4 or the second terminal 5. Furthermore, the information processing means 2301 executes processing to settle a charge based on a request received from the first terminal 4 or the second terminal 5 via the network interface 21 for a charge to restore a predetermined amount of parameters (hereinafter simply referred to as a "charge request").

The main data that the information processing means 2301 receives from the video distribution site 3 includes a distribution address for the first user FU to upload videos as a distributor, a post C from the second user SU, identification information that identifies the second user SU, optional information accompanying the post C, etc. The main data that the information processing means 2301 transmits to the video distribution site 3 includes service account information for the first user FU, distribution data for distributing a video showing a game screen of a game being played by the first user FU's game operations, etc.

The matching means 2302 is configured to perform authentication processing using the game account information of the first user FU received from the first terminal 4. Furthermore, the matching means 2302 is configured to link the game account information with the service account information. Details will be described later.

The receiving means 2303 is configured to receive various information. For example, the receiving means 2303 is configured to receive game operations by a game user. Details will be described later.

The acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire various information. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire identification information identifying the second user SU from the video distribution site 3 based on a post C from the second user SU to the video. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire identification information associated with the participation request from the video distribution site 3 when it is determined that a participation request has been made. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire first identification information associated with the participation request from the video distribution site 3. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire first identification information associated with the second identification information from the video distribution site 3. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to acquire the second identification information from the video distribution site 3. For example, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 is configured to further acquire optional information associated with the post C. The acquisition means 2304 is configured, for example, as an acquisition step, to further acquire optional information attached to the post C on the video by the second user SU when it is determined that there is a participation request. The acquisition means 2304 is configured, for example, as an acquisition step, to further acquire optional information attached to the post C on the video by the second user SU. Details will be described later.

The determination means 2305 is configured to determine various information. The determination means 2305, which is an example of a first determination means, is configured, for example, as a first determination step, to determine whether or not the second user SU has requested to participate in the game based on the post C. The determination means 2305, which is an example of a first determination means, is configured, for example, as a first determination step, to determine that the second user SU has requested to participate in the game if the post C includes a character string corresponding to the first identification information. The determination means 2305, which is an example of a second determination means, is configured, for example, as a second determination step, to determine the priority of allowing the second user SU to participate in the game based on the option information. Details will be described later.

The identification means 2306 is configured to identify various information. For example, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 is configured to identify second user information UI representing the second user SU based on the acquired identification information. For example, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 is configured to identify candidate information AI representing the second user SU as a candidate for participating in the game based on identification information associated with the participation request. For example, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 is configured to identify candidate information AI representing the second user SU as a candidate for participating in the game based on first identification information associated with the participation request. For example, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 is configured to identify second user information UI or candidate information AI based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request. The identification means 2306 is configured, for example, as an identification step, to identify stored first identification information based on the second identification information, and then identify second user information UI or candidate information AI based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request. Details will be described later.

The determination means 2307 is configured to determine various things. For example, as a determination step, the determination means 2307 is configured to determine, based on priority, which participants will be allowed to participate in the game from among multiple second users SU who have requested to participate in the game. Details will be provided below.

The display means 2308 is configured to display various game screens on the first terminal 4. For example, as a display step, the display means 2308 is configured to display a game screen including second user information UI on the first terminal 4. For example, as a display step, the display means 2308 is configured to display a game screen including candidate information AI on the first terminal 4. For example, as a display step, the display means 2308 is configured to determine the display mode of the second user information UI or candidate information AI on the game screen based on option information. For example, as a display step, the display means 2308 is configured to determine the display mode of the candidate information AI on the game screen based on priority. For example, as a display step, the display means 2308 is configured to display a game screen including candidate information of the second user determined as a participant on the first terminal 4. Details will be described later.

The transmitting means 2309 is configured to transmit various information to the second terminal 5. For example, as a transmission step, the transmitting means 2309 is configured to transmit a request to play a game to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU corresponding to the selected candidate information AI based on a selection operation of at least one piece of candidate information AI received by the first terminal 4 from the first user FU. For example, as a transmission step, the transmitting means 2309 is configured to transmit a request to play a game to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU who is a participant. Details will be described later.

The output means 2310 is configured to output various information. For example, as an output step, the output means 2310 is configured to output distribution data to the video distribution site 3 for distributing a video showing a game screen in progress of the game to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU. Details will be described later.

The adjustment means 2311 is configured to adjust various things. For example, as an adjustment step, the adjustment means 2311 is configured to adjust, based on option information, a predetermined effect in the game that is granted to at least one of the first user FU and the second user SU when the second user SU participates in the game. Details will be described later.

The storage means 2312 is configured to store various information in the storage unit 22. Details will be provided below.

The progression means 2313 is configured to progress the game from start to finish. The progression means 2313 is configured, for example, to progress the game based on game operations received by the first terminal 4 from the first user FU as progression steps. Details will be described later.

The game control means 2314 is configured to read data such as objects contained in the game data from the storage unit 22 in accordance with the game user's operations and the game's progress, and execute the game in the game execution environment. Details will be provided below.

<First terminal 4>
The following describes the functional configuration of the first terminal 4 according to this embodiment. As described above, various functions of the first terminal 4 can be executed by each means included in the control unit 46, which is an example of hardware, by specifically implementing information processing by software stored in the storage unit 45.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing functions implemented by the control unit 46 of the first terminal 4 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the first terminal 4 includes a communication unit 461, a game execution unit 462, and a notification control unit 463.

As shown in FIG. 5, the memory unit 45 also stores game user information. The game user information is at least a portion of the information in the game user DB 221 stored in the memory unit 22 of the server device 2. The game user DB 221 manages a master of game user information, and the memory unit 45 of the first terminal 4 stores at least a portion of this master information distributed from the server device 2.

The communication means 461 is configured to communicate with the server device 2 via the network interface 41. The communication means 461 is configured to generate and transmit information that the server device 2 can grasp in response to various operation signals received by the operation unit 44 from the touchpad 63. For example, the communication means 461 transmits game account information, download request information for new game data, etc. to the server device 2. The communication means 461 also receives new game data, etc. from the server device 2 in response to the download request information.

The game execution means 462 is configured to execute a game in accordance with game operations performed via the touchpad 63 by the first user FU using the first terminal 4, which is the user's own device. Specifically, the game execution means 462 reads object data included in the game data from the storage unit 45 or uses data received from the server device 2 to execute a game program and generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information. As the game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 42, processed game images are sequentially displayed on the display 61.

The game execution means 462 then places a character on the game image in accordance with the game operations of the first user FU using the first terminal 4, which is the user's own device, and controls the character's behavior in the virtual space in accordance with the game operations of the first user FU and the progress of the game. The game execution means 462 also causes the player character to use items, etc. selected by the first user FU in accordance with the game operations. The game execution means 462 may, for example, perform autoplay, placing the character and controlling the character's behavior based on game data (operation data) without relying on input from the first user FU.

The notification control means 463 is configured to control the display 61 and the audio output of the speaker 62 in response to game operations, etc., of the first user FU using the first terminal 4, which is the user's own device, during game execution.

3. Operational Flow of Information Processing System 1 In this section, an information processing method of the information processing system 1 described above will be described.

The figures referenced in this section are as follows: Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. Figure 7 is an example of a video viewing screen 7 displayed on the second terminal 5. Figure 8 is an example of a game screen 8 displayed on the first terminal 4.

The following describes the flow of information processing executed by information processing system 1, following the flowchart in Figure 6. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that first user FU, second user SU1, and second user SU2 have already created accounts for the online game executed by information processing system 1, and that game account information for first user FU, second user SU1, and second user SU2 is stored in the memory unit 22 of the server device 2. It is also assumed that first user FU has already installed on the first terminal 4 a dedicated application for the online game executed by information processing system 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "game application"). Similarly, it is assumed that second user SU1 has already installed the game application on the second terminal 5a.

For the sake of convenience, it is assumed that first user FU, second user SU1, and second user SU2 have already created accounts for the video distribution service provided by video distribution site 3, and that the service account information for first user FU, second user SU1, and second user SU2 is stored in the storage unit of video distribution site 3.

First, the first user FU launches a game application on the first terminal 4. After the game application has launched, the communication means 461 transmits the game account information of the first user FU to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The game account information is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21. The matching means 2302 then performs authentication processing by matching the received game account information with the game account information of the first user FU managed in the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 (step S001).

If the authentication process is successful, the game control means 2314 sends a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting that a menu screen be displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4. The information processing means 2301 then sends this menu screen display request to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The menu screen display request is received by the communication means 461 via the network interface 41. The game execution means 462 then generates game image information for the menu screen based on the received request. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and the graphics processing unit 42, causing a menu screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display 61 (step S002).

Next, the first user FU uses the touchpad 63 of the first terminal 4 to select the game to play on a menu screen (not shown) and requests video streaming of the game. The operation unit 44 then receives an operation signal from the touchpad 63, and the communication means 461 transmits the signal as a video streaming execution request to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The video streaming execution request is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21, and the acceptance means 2303 then accepts the video streaming execution request (step S002).

After the accepting means 2303 accepts the video distribution execution request, the game control means 2314 sends a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting that an input screen for entering service account information be displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4. The information processing means 2301 then transmits this input screen display request to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The input screen display request is received by the communication means 461 via the network interface 41. Next, the game execution means 462 generates game image information related to the input screen based on the received request. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and the graphics processing unit 42, causing an input screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display 61 (step S003).

When the first user FU inputs service account information, such as a service ID and password, the operation unit 44 receives the operation signal, and the communication means 461 transmits the service account information of the first user FU to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The service account information is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21. The information processing means 2301 then transmits the service account information to the video distribution site 3 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. (Step S003)

Then, at the video distribution site 3, the control unit compares the received service account information with the service account information managed in the memory unit of the video distribution site 3 and performs authentication processing. If the authentication processing is successful, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 determines a distribution address for the first user FU to upload videos as a distributor. Next, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 transmits the distribution address to the server device 2 via the network interface and communication network 6 (step S003).

Next, the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 receives the distribution address via the network interface 21. Thereafter, the matching means 2302 updates the information of the first user FU managed in the game user DB 221, thereby linking the accounts and registering the distribution address. In detail, the matching means 2302 performs a process of associating the service account information and distribution address with the game account information of the first user FU (step S003).

After the matching means 2302 links the accounts and registers the distribution address, the progression means 2313 sends a signal to the game control means 2314 requesting that the game be started. The game control means 2314 then sends a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting that a play screen be displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4. The information processing means 2301 then sends this play screen display request to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communications network 6. The play screen display request is received by the communications means 461 via the network interface 41. The game execution means 462 then generates game image information related to the play screen based on the received request. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and graphics processing unit 42, causing a play screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display 61 (step S004).

After the game starts, each time the receiving means 2303 receives a signal from the first terminal 4 related to the game operation of the first user FU, the progression means 2313 transmits a signal controlling the progress of the game to the game control means 2314. The game control means 2314 transmits the signal to the game execution means 462 via the information processing means 2301, network interface 21, communication network 6, network interface 41, and communication means 461. After receiving the signal from the game control means 2314, the game execution means 462 updates the game image information. The updated game image information is then processed by the notification control means 463 and graphics processing unit 42, thereby updating the play screen and progressing the game. That is, as a progression step, the progression means 2313 progresses the game based on the game operation received by the first terminal 4 from the first user FU (step S004).

The game screen, e.g., a play screen, displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4 and showing the progress of the game after the game has started, is transmitted by the communication means 461 to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The play screen is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21. Then, as an output step, the output means 2310 outputs distribution data to the video distribution site 3 for distributing a video showing the play screen (game screen) to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU. In detail, the output means 2310 generates distribution data, for example, by converting the play screen (game screen) into video data, and transmits a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting that the distribution data be sent to the distribution address registered in step S003. Then, the information processing means 2301 transmits the distribution data to the distribution address of the video distribution site 3 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The distribution data may be the game video data itself obtained by converting the gameplay screen (game screen) and game audio, etc. into video data, or it may be commentary video data in which audio data of the first user FU or another user who will be the commentator has been added to the game video data. Furthermore, the distribution data may be game video data or commentary video data generated from image data in which an image such as a facial photograph or avatar image of the first user FU has been added to the gameplay screen (game screen) (step S005).

Then, based on the received distribution data, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 distributes a video showing the gameplay screen (game screen) of the game being played by the first user FU, in association with a viewing address, such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The second user SU can access the viewing address using the second terminal 5 to display a video viewing screen 7 (Figure 7) on the display unit of the second terminal 5, and view the video (step S005).

Figure 7 shows an example of a video viewing screen 7 displayed on the second terminal 5. The video viewing screen 7 shown in Figure 7 includes, for example, a video display area VA displaying a video showing a gameplay screen (game screen) of a game being played by the first user FU, a play/pause button PS, a volume icon SV, a display area for posts C, a text box TB and stamp icon SI for posting C, and a deep link DL that enables acquisition of a game ID. On the video viewing screen 7 of Figure 7, if the second user SU has already created an account for the video distribution service provided by the video distribution site 3, they can post C as a poster. In detail, as a poster, the second user SU can, for example, enter a message M in the text box TB or select and enter an appropriate stamp ST from a list of available stamps ST displayed by selecting the stamp icon SI (step S006).

The video distribution site 3 receives input information such as a message M and a stamp ST entered by the second user SU, and the control unit of the video distribution site 3 executes a process to associate the input information with the service account information of the second user SU stored in the memory unit. The control unit of the video distribution site 3 then manages the received input information as a post C together with information representing the second user SU, such as the service username SN and profile icon PI of the second user SU. Note that the information representing the second user SU is information included in the service account information, or information managed in association with the service account information. The control unit of the video distribution site 3 then executes a process to display the post C on the video viewing screen 7 (FIG. 7) (step S006).

The control unit of the video distribution site 3 also transmits post C to the server device 2 via the network interface and communication network 6. Post C is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21. The determination means 2305 then determines whether or not the second user SU has made a specific request to the first user FU based on the message M, etc., included in post C. Here, a specific request may be, for example, a request to join a game, a request to register as a friend, a request to provide a gift, etc. (Step S006).

If the determination means 2305 determines that a specific request has been made (step S007: YES), it transmits a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting the transmission of identification information identifying the second user SU. The information processing means 2301 then transmits this transmission request to the video distribution site 3 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The control unit of the video distribution site 3 then transmits the identification information identifying the second user SU to the server device 2 via the network interface and the communication network 6 based on the received transmission request. The identification information is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21, and is then acquired by the acquisition means 234. That is, as an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 acquires identification information identifying the second user SU from the video distribution site 3 based on the post C from the second user SU to the video (steps S007 and S008).

Here, examples of the identification information for identifying the second user SU include first identification information for identifying the second user SU in the game and second identification information for identifying the second user SU on the video distribution site 3. The first identification information is, for example, a game ID, and the second identification information is, for example, a service ID. Furthermore, the acquisition means 2304 can acquire the identification information for identifying the second user SU in the following three ways, a to c (step S008).

a) As an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 may acquire first identification information that identifies the second user SU in the game from the video distribution site 3. According to this aspect, even if the server device 2 does not link the second user SU's game account information with the service account information, the second user SU can provide first identification information such as a game ID directly as a post C to the game video, making it possible to easily accept requests for friend registration, participation in the game, etc. via the video viewing screen (step S008).

For example, as shown on the video viewing screen 7 of FIG. 7, the post C1 from the second user SU1 includes a character string corresponding to the game ID (first identification information). Therefore, the acquisition means 2304 acquires the game ID (first identification information) from the video distribution site 3 as identification information for identifying the second user SU1. Note that, as shown on the video viewing screen 7 of FIG. 7, it is preferable that the character string corresponding to the game ID (first identification information) is displayed in obscured form. Alternatively, the character string corresponding to the game ID (first identification information) may be hidden on the video viewing screen 7. Furthermore, the method by which the second user SU1 inputs the character string corresponding to the game ID (first identification information) as the post C1 is, for example, as follows. First, the second user SU1 touches the deep link DL on the video viewing screen 7 to display a screen on the display unit of the second terminal 5a that displays the game ID (first identification information) of the game application. Next, the second user SU1 can copy the string of characters corresponding to the displayed game ID (first identification information) and paste it into the text box TB on the video viewing screen 7, thereby inputting the string of characters as a post C1 (step S008).

b) As an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 may acquire the first identification information associated with the second identification information from the video distribution site 3. According to this aspect, by linking the game account information and service account information of the second user SU in advance on the video distribution site 3, the second user SU, who is a viewer of the game video, can easily apply to register as a friend or participate in a game from the video viewing screen without having to enter information such as a game ID. (Step S008)

For example, if second user SU2 has registered a game ID (first identification information) with a video distribution service provided by video distribution site 3, the storage unit of video distribution site 3 stores the game ID (first identification information) in association with service account information for second user SU2, including the service ID (second identification information). Therefore, as shown on video viewing screen 7 in FIG. 7, when second user SU2 posts C2, the control unit of video distribution site 3 receives input information related to post C2 and then transmits the game ID (first identification information) associated with second user SU2's service ID (second identification information) to server device 2. Then, acquisition means 2304 acquires the game ID (first identification information) (step S008).

c) The acquisition means 2304 may acquire the second identification information from the video distribution site 3 as an acquisition step. In this embodiment, the identification means 2306 then identifies the pre-stored first identification information based on the second identification information as an identification step. According to this embodiment, the server device 2 can identify the game ID (first identification information) from the second user SU's service ID (second identification information). Therefore, the second user SU, who is a viewer of the game video, can easily apply to register as a friend or participate in a game from the video viewing screen without entering information such as the game ID (step S008).

For example, if second user SU2 has registered a service ID (second identification information) in an online game executed by information processing system 1, the service ID (second identification information) is stored and managed in the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 in association with the game account information of second user SU2, which includes the game ID (first identification information). Therefore, as shown on the video viewing screen 7 of FIG. 7, when second user SU2 posts C2, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 receives input information related to post C2 and then transmits the service ID (second identification information) of second user SU2 to the server device 2. Next, after the acquisition means 2304 acquires the service ID (second identification information) of the second user SU2, the identification means 2306 identifies the game ID (first identification information) of the second user SU2 by comparing the service ID (second identification information) with the game account information of the second user SU2 managed in the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 (step S008).

In this way, after the acquisition means 2304 acquires the first identification information or the identification means 2306 identifies the first identification information in step S008, the identification means 2306 uses the first identification information as a key to reference information managed in the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 and extracts profile information of the second user SU. Here, profile information includes, for example, the game user name GN, game user rank UR, information about the player character operated by the game user, and attribute information of the game user such as the game user's gender, age, occupation, and residential area. Furthermore, the identification means 2306 identifies second user information UI representing the second user SU based on the extracted profile information and post C. That is, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 identifies second user information UI representing the second user SU based on the acquired identification information or first identification information, for example, a game ID. (Step S009)

After the identification means 2306 identifies the second user information UI, the storage means 2312 associates the determination result by the determination means 2305 with identification information, such as a game ID (first identification information), and the second user information UI, and stores them at least temporarily in the storage unit 22 (step S009).

Next, the display means 2308 generates display information for displaying a game screen including the second user information UI, such as game screen 8 (Figure 8), on the display 61 of the first terminal 4 based on the determination result by the determination means 2305, identification information such as a game ID (first identification information), and the second user information UI, and transmits the generated display information to the information processing means 2301. The information processing means 2301 then transmits the display information to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The display information is received by the communication means 461 via the network interface 41. The game execution means 462 then generates game image information for the game screen 8 based on the display information for the game screen 8 in accordance with the progress of the game, for example, when a game termination condition such as a clear condition is met. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and the graphics processing unit 42, causing the game screen 8 (Figure 8) to be displayed on the display 61. That is, as a display step, the display means 2308 displays a game screen including the second user information UI, for example, game screen 8 (Figure 8), on the first terminal 4 (step S010).

Here, a specific example will be described with reference to the video viewing screen 7 in FIG. 7 and the game screen 8 in FIG. 8. As shown on the video viewing screen 7 in FIG. 7, the post C1 by the second user SU1 includes a profile icon PI and service username SN representing the second user SU1, as well as a message M. Because the post C1 includes the message M indicating a desire to play against the first user FU, the determination means 2305 determines that the second user SU1 has requested to participate in the game. Therefore, steps S006 to S009 described above are executed for the post C1 by the second user SU1, and as shown in FIG. 8, second user information UI1 of the second user SU1, who posted the post C1, is displayed on the game screen 8 (step S010).

As shown on the game screen 8 in FIG. 8, the second user information UI1 is displayed as information about the game user requesting to participate in the game, specifically, as information about the game user wishing to compete, based on the determination result by the determination means 2305. The second user information UI1 also includes a profile icon PI and a message M, which are information contained in the post C1, and a game user name GN and a game user rank UR, which are profile information extracted from the game user DB 221 in the memory unit 22. In this example, the game user name GN of the second user SU1 is the same as the service user name SN (step S010).

On the other hand, post C2 by second user SU2 shown on the video viewing screen 7 in FIG. 7, like post C1, includes a profile icon PI and service username SN representing second user SU2, as well as a message M, with message M representing a friend registration request. Therefore, like post C1, post C2 is determined by the determination means 2305 to include a friend registration request from second user SU2, and as shown in FIG. 8, second user information UI2 of second user SU2, the poster of post C2, is displayed on the game screen 8 (step S010).

As shown on the game screen 8 in FIG. 8, the second user information UI2 is displayed as information about the game user requesting friend registration based on the determination result by the determination means 2305. The second user information UI2 also includes a profile icon PI and a message M, which are information contained in the post C2, and a game user name GN and a game user rank UR, which are profile information extracted from the game user DB 221 in the memory unit 22. In this example, the game user name GN of the second user SU2 is the same as the service user name SN (step S010).

As shown in FIG. 8, the game screen 8 includes a button 82 that enables a match with the second user SU1 represented by the second user information UI1, which is information about the game user who wishes to compete in a match, and a button 82 that enables a friend registration of the second user SU2 represented by the second user information UI2, which is information about the game user who wishes to be registered as a friend. In other words, a game screen including the second user information UI, such as the game screen 8 (FIG. 8), is preferably configured to enable a predetermined request from the second user SU to the first user FU. Note that even if a match with the second user SU1 or friend registration of the second user SU2 is not performed on the game screen 8 displayed after the game ends, the first user FU may be able to perform this at any time thereafter. Meanwhile, a bonus may be awarded to the first user FU for performing this on the game screen 8 (step S010).

To summarize the above, the information processing method of this embodiment comprises a progress step, an output step, an acquisition step, an identification step, and a display step. In the progress step, the first terminal progresses the game based on game operations received from the first user. In the output step, distribution data for distributing a video showing a game screen in which the game is progressing to a second terminal of a second user is output to a video distribution site. In the acquisition step, identification information identifying the second user is acquired from the video distribution site based on a post from the second user regarding the video. In the identification step, second user information representing the second user is identified based on the acquired identification information. In the display step, a game screen including the second user information is displayed on the first terminal.

This embodiment enables new forms of entertainment to be realized through the distribution and viewing of game videos.

Second Embodiment
In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of configurations and functions that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, in this chapter, reference will be made to Figures 9, 11, 12, and 13. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. Figure 11 is an example of a video viewing screen 9 displayed on the second terminal 5. Figure 12 is an example of a game screen 10 displayed on the first terminal 4. Figure 13 is an example of a game screen 11 displayed on the first terminal 4.

The following describes the flow of information processing executed by information processing system 1, following the flowchart in Figure 9. Note that steps S101 to S105 of this embodiment shown in Figure 9 are similar to steps S001 to S005 of the first embodiment, so only steps S106 and beyond will be described below.

For the sake of convenience, it is assumed that second user SU3, like first user FU, second user SU1, and second user SU2 in the first embodiment, has already created an account for an online game run on information processing system 1 and an account for a video distribution service provided by video distribution site 3. It is also assumed that second user SU3 has launched an installed game application on second terminal 5c.

In step S106 of this embodiment, which corresponds to step S006 of the first embodiment, the first determination means 2305 determines, as the first determination step, based on the post C, whether or not there is a request from the second user SU to participate in the game. Note that, for example, in the case of a competitive game, participating in the game means competing against the first user FU, and in the case of a cooperative game, participating in a pair match by pairing with the first user FU, or participating in a team match as a team member. For example, the first determination means 2305 determines whether or not there is a request to participate based on the message M included in the post C. For example, as shown on the video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11 , the post C1' by the second user SU1 includes a message M indicating a desire to compete against the first user FU, and therefore the first determination means 2305 determines that there is a request from the second user SU1 to participate in the game. Similarly, the first determination means 2305 determines that there is a request from the second user SU2 to participate in the game for the post C2' by the second user SU2. (Steps S106 and S107).

Furthermore, when post C includes a battle ID representing a game ID (first identification information), such as post C3 from second user SU3 shown on video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11, the first determination means 2305 may determine that there is a request to participate in a game from second user SU. That is, as a first determination step, the first determination means 2305 may determine that there is a request to participate in a game from second user SU when post C includes first identification information, for example, a character string corresponding to a game ID. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily apply to participate in a game such as a battle from the video viewing screen by simply entering a predetermined ID, etc. (steps S106 and S107).

Note that, similar to post C1 (FIG. 7) described in the first embodiment above, the battle ID representing the game ID (first identification information) included in post C3 is preferably displayed as obscured characters on the video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11, or is not displayed at all. In other words, if post C includes first identification information, such as a character string corresponding to a game ID, it is preferable that the character string not be distributed to viewers other than the second user SU watching the video. This aspect avoids security risks associated with entering first identification information such as a game ID. Furthermore, the method by which second user SU3 enters the battle ID representing the game ID (first identification information) as post C3 is the same as the method by which second user SU3 enters the character string corresponding to the game ID (first identification information) as post C1 in the first embodiment above (steps S106 and S107).

Next, in step S108, if it is determined that a participation request has been made, the acquisition means 2304 acquires identification information associated with the participation request from the video distribution site 3. Here, as with step S008 in the first embodiment, there are three ways in which the acquisition means 2304 acquires identification information associated with the participation request: a' to c' (step S108).

a') As an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 may acquire first identification information from the video distribution site 3 in association with the participation request. For example, as shown on the video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11, the post C3 from the second user SU3 includes a battle ID representing the game ID (first identification information), and therefore the acquisition means 2304 acquires the game ID (first identification information) from the video distribution site 3 as identification information for identifying the second user SU3 (step S108).

b') As an acquisition step, the acquisition means 2304 may acquire first identification information associated with the second identification information from the video distribution site 3. For example, if the second user SU1 has registered a game ID (first identification information) in a video distribution service provided by the video distribution site 3, when the second user SU1 posts C1' (FIG. 11), similar to b) of the first embodiment above, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 receives input information related to post C1' and then transmits the game ID (first identification information) associated with the service ID (second identification information) of the second user SU1 to the server device 2. The acquisition means 2304 then acquires the game ID (first identification information) (step S108).

c') The acquisition means 2304 may acquire second identification information from the video distribution site 3 as an acquisition step. In this embodiment, the identification means 2306 then identifies pre-stored first identification information based on the second identification information as an identification step. For example, if the second user SU2 has registered a service ID (second identification information) in an online game executed on the information processing system 1, when the second user SU2 posts C2' (Figure 11), similar to c) of the first embodiment above, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 receives input information related to post C2' and then transmits the service ID (second identification information) of the second user SU2 to the server device 2. Next, after the acquisition means 2304 acquires the service ID (second identification information) of the second user SU2, the identification means 2306 identifies the game ID (first identification information) of the second user SU2 by comparing the service ID (second identification information) with the game account information of the second user SU2 managed in the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 (step S108).

Furthermore, in step S108, if it is determined that a participation request has been made, the acquisition means 2304 further acquires, as an acquisition step, optional information attached to the post C for the video by the second user SU from the video distribution site 3. Here, optional information is information indicating the second user SU's usage status regarding functions and services related to post C provided by the video distribution service. Examples of optional information include information regarding whether the second user SU has registered the first user FU, who is the video distributor, in a list associated with the second user SU, such as information regarding whether the second user SU follows or has registered the first user FU, who is the video distributor, as a friend, and information regarding whether the second user SU has subscribed to the channel of the first user FU, who is the video distributor (step S108).

Next, in step S108, similar to S008 in the first embodiment, the identification means 2306 uses the first identification information as a key to reference the information managed in the game user DB 221 in the storage unit 22 and extracts the profile information of the second user SU. Furthermore, the identification means 2306 identifies candidate information AI representing the second user SU as a candidate for participating in the game based on the extracted profile information, post C, and option information. That is, as an identification step, the identification means 2306 identifies candidate information AI representing the second user SU as a candidate for participating in the game based on identification information associated with the participation request, for example, a game ID (first identification information) (step S109).

After the identification means 2306 identifies the candidate information AI, the storage means 2312 associates identification information, such as a game ID (first identification information), the candidate information AI, and optional information, and stores them at least temporarily in the storage unit 22 (step S109).

Next, in step S110, the second determination means 2305 determines the priority of allowing the second user SU to participate in the game based on the option information as a second determination step. Subsequently, the display means 2308 determines the display mode of the candidate information AI on the game screen based on the option information as a display step. Here, the option information preferably includes information regarding the second user SU's billing of the first user FU. Billing methods for the second user SU to the first user FU include subscriptions, in which a predetermined fee is charged for the first user FU's channel at predetermined intervals, and so-called "tipping," in which a fee is charged individually during the first user FU's video distribution. According to this mode, by more prominently displaying the candidate information AI of a second user SU who has paid a large amount AC to the first user FU and giving preferential treatment to the second user SU, it is possible to encourage the second user SU to make payments and support the monetization of the first user FU's video distribution (steps S110 and S111).

More preferably, the display means 2308, as a display step, determines the display mode of the candidate information AI on the game screen based on the priority determined based on the option information. The display mode includes the display position on the game screen. According to this mode, the candidate information AI of a second user SU who has paid a larger amount AC to the first user FU is displayed more prominently, making the second user SU more likely to be selected by the first user FU than other second users SU, thereby encouraging the second user SU to pay and supporting the monetization of the video distribution of the first user FU (steps S110 and S111).

After determining the display format of the candidate information AI on the game screen, the display means 2308 generates display information for displaying a game screen including the candidate information AI, for example, game screen 10 (Figure 12), on the display 61 of the first terminal 4, and transmits this to the information processing means 2301. Thereafter, by information processing similar to step S010 of the first embodiment described above, game screen 10 (Figure 12) is displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4. That is, as a display step, the display means 2308 displays a game screen including the candidate information AI, for example, game screen 10 (Figure 12), on the first terminal 4 (step S111).

Here, a specific example will be described with reference to the video viewing screen 9 of FIG. 11 and the game screen 10 of FIG. 12. As described above, in step S106 above, the first determination means 2305 determines that there are requests to participate in the game from second user SU1, second user SU2, and second user SU3 based on posts C1', C2', and C3 shown on the video viewing screen 9 of FIG. 11 (step S107: YES). Then, steps S108 and S109 above are executed for each post C, and candidate information AI1 for second user SU1, candidate information AI2 for second user SU2, and candidate information AI3 for second user SU3 are identified (steps S106 to S109).

Also, as shown on the video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11, post C1' by second user SU1 does not involve a charge, and therefore the charge amount AC included in the optional information for post C1' is 0 yen. The optional information for post C2' by second user SU2 includes information that the charge amount AC is 1,000 yen. The optional information for post C3 by second user SU3 includes information that the charge amount AC is 2,000 yen. Therefore, the second determination means 2305 determines the priority for participation in the game based on the charge amount AC included in the optional information so that second user SU3, who posted post C3, has the highest priority, followed by second user SU2, who posted post C2', and second user SU1, who posted post C1' (step S110).

Based on this priority, the display means 2308 determines the display mode, including the display positions, of the candidate information AI1 of the second user SU1, the candidate information AI2 of the second user SU2, and the candidate information AI3 of the second user SU3, and displays a game screen 10 (FIG. 12) including the candidate information AI1, AI2, and AI3 on the first terminal 4. In the game screen 10 of FIG. 12, the candidate information AI3 of the second user SU3, who has the highest priority for participating in the game, is displayed at the leftmost position in the opponent candidate list and is highlighted in its entirety. The candidate information AI2 of the second user SU2, who has the next highest priority, is displayed in the center of the opponent candidate list, and the candidate information AI1 of the second user SU1, who has the lowest priority, is displayed at the rightmost position in the opponent candidate list. In addition, the candidate information AI2 and candidate information AI3 of the second user SU2, who made the paid post C, are given a VIP mark VM (step S111).

As shown in the game screen 10 of FIG. 12, the candidate information AI includes information contained in the post C, information contained in the optional information, and profile information extracted from the game user DB 221 of the memory unit 22. The information contained in the post C is, for example, a profile icon PI and a message M. The information contained in the optional information is, for example, the charge amount AC. The profile information is, for example, a game user name GN and a game user rank UR. The game screen 10 of FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which the game user name GN of the second user SU is the same as the service user name SN (step S111).

The game screen 10 shown in FIG. 12 is also configured to allow the first user FU to select at least one piece of candidate information AI. In particular, the first user FU can select the candidate information AI by touching at least one piece of candidate information AI to place it in a selected state, and then touching the button 101. A signal of the selection operation is received from the touchpad 63 by the operation unit 44 of the first terminal 4, and transmitted by the communication means 461 to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The signal of the selection operation is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21, and is then accepted by the acceptance means 2303 (step S112).

After the reception means 2303 receives a signal related to the selection operation of the candidate information AI, the game control means 2314 transmits a signal to the information processing means 2301 requesting that the game screen 11 (Figure 13) be displayed on the display 61 of the first terminal 4. The information processing means 2301 then transmits this game screen 11 display request to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The game screen 11 display request is received by the communication means 461 via the network interface 41. Next, the game execution means 462 generates game image information related to the game screen 11 based on the received request. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and the graphics processing unit 42, causing the game screen 11 (Figure 13) to be displayed on the display 61 (step S112).

Candidate information AI selected by the first user FU is displayed on the game screen 11 of FIG. 13. The game screen 11 of FIG. 13 illustrates a case in which candidate information AI3 has been selected by the first user FU on the game screen 10 of FIG. 12. If the first user FU is satisfied with determining the second user SU3 represented by the selected candidate information AI3 as the opponent, the first user FU can simply touch button 111. If the first user FU wishes to reselect candidate information AI, the first user FU can touch button 112 to cause the game screen 10 of FIG. 12 to be displayed again on the display 61. When the first user FU touches button 111, the operation signal is received from the touchpad 63 by the operation unit 44 of the first terminal 4, and transmitted by the communication means 461 to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The operation signal is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21, and then accepted by the acceptance means 2303 (step S112).

After the receiving means 2303 receives the operation signal, the transmitting means 2309 transmits to the information processing means 2301 a signal requesting the information processing means 2301 to transmit a game execution request to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU corresponding to the selected candidate information AI, for example, the second terminal 5c of the second user SU3 in the example shown in the game screen 11 of FIG. 13. The information processing means 2301 then transmits the game execution request to the second terminal 5, for example, the second terminal 5c, via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. That is, as a transmission step, the transmitting means 2309 transmits a game execution request to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU corresponding to the selected candidate information AI based on the selection operation of at least one piece of candidate information AI received by the first terminal 4 from the first user FU. Subsequently, a play screen is displayed on the display unit of the second terminal 5, for example, the second terminal 5c, that received the game execution request, and the second user SU, for example, the second user SU3, can begin playing the game. Meanwhile, on the first terminal 4 of the first user FU, after step S112, information processing similar to that of step S104 causes a play screen to be displayed on the display 61, allowing the first user FU to begin playing the game. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first user FU can select the second user SU at their own will and begin a match, etc. (step S113).

Note that a gameplay screen (game screen) of a game played by a first user FU and a second user SU, for example, second user SU3, may be distributed as a video from the video distribution site 3 using information processing similar to that of step S105. This allows the second user SU, who was previously merely a viewer of the game video, to participate in the game video distribution, thereby realizing viewer-participation type video distribution. Furthermore, the first user FU may be able to select whether or not to distribute the gameplay screen (game screen) as a video (step S113).

To summarize the above, the information processing method of this embodiment includes a progress step, an output step, a first determination step, an acquisition step, a specification step, and a display step. In the progress step, the first terminal progresses the game based on game operations received from the first user. In the output step, distribution data for distributing a video showing a game screen in which the game is progressing to the second terminal of the second user is output to the video distribution site. In the first determination step, based on the post C, it is determined whether or not there is a request to participate in the game from the second user SU. In the acquisition step, if it is determined that there is a participation request, identification information associated with the participation request is acquired from the video distribution site 3. In the specification step, candidate information AI representing the second user SU as a candidate to participate in the game is identified based on the identification information associated with the participation request. In the display step, a game screen including the candidate information AI is displayed on the first terminal 4.

According to this embodiment, viewers who are watching a game video and become interested in participating in a game such as a battle can easily apply to participate in a game such as a battle.

[Third embodiment]
In the third embodiment, differences from the first or second embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of configurations and functions that are substantially the same as those of the first or second embodiment will be omitted. Also, in this chapter, reference will be made to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing system 1. FIG. 11 is an example of a video viewing screen 9 displayed on the second terminal 5. FIG. 13 is an example of a game screen 11 displayed on the first terminal 4.

The following describes the flow of information processing executed by information processing system 1, following the flowchart in Figure 10. Note that steps S201 to S210 of this embodiment shown in Figure 10 are similar to steps S101 to S110 of the second embodiment, so only steps S211 and onward will be described below.

In step S211, if there are multiple second users SU requesting to participate in the game, the determination means 2307 determines, as a determination step, a participant to participate in the game from among the multiple second users SU. The determination means 2307 may determine participants randomly, but preferably determines participants based on the priority determined in step S210. For example, in the specific example shown on the video viewing screen 9 in FIG. 11, as described in the second embodiment above, the priority for participation in the game is highest for second user SU3, who posted post C3, based on the charge amount AC included in the option information of each post C, followed by second user SU2, who posted post C2', and second user SU1, who posted post C1'. Therefore, the determination means 2307 determines second user SU3 as a participant based on the priority (step S211).

After the determination means 2307 determines the participants, the display means 2308 generates display information for displaying a game screen, for example, game screen 11 (Figure 13), including candidate information AI of the second user SU determined as a participant on the display 61 of the first terminal 4, and transmits the display information to the information processing means 2301. The information processing means 2301 then transmits the display information to the first terminal 4 via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. The display information is received by the communication means 461 via the network interface 41. The game execution means 462 then generates game image information for the game screen 11 based on the display information for the game screen 11 depending on the progress of the game, for example, when a game termination condition such as a clear condition is met. This game image information is processed by the notification control means 463 and the graphics processing unit 42, causing the game screen 11 (Figure 13) to be displayed on the display 61. That is, as a display step, the display means 2308 displays on the first terminal 4 a game screen, for example, game screen 11 (FIG. 13), including candidate information AI of the second user SU who has been determined as a participant (step S212).

The game screen 11 in Figure 13 shows a case where the second user SU3 has been determined as a participant, as described above. If the first user FU wishes to start a match with the second user SU3 represented by the candidate information AI3, the first user FU can start the match with the second user SU3 by touching button 111. When the first user FU touches button 111, the operation signal is received from the touchpad 63 by the operation unit 44 of the first terminal 4, and transmitted by the communication means 461 to the server device 2 via the network interface 41 and the communication network 6. The operation signal is received by the information processing means 2301 of the server device 2 via the network interface 21, and is then accepted by the acceptance means 2303 (step S212).

After the accepting means 2303 accepts the operation signal, the transmitting means 2309 transmits to the information processing means 2301 a signal requesting the information processing means 2301 to transmit a game execution request to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU, who is a participant, for example, the second terminal 5c of the second user SU3 in the example shown on the game screen 11 of FIG. 13. The information processing means 2301 then transmits the game execution request to the second terminal 5, for example, the second terminal 5c, via the network interface 21 and the communication network 6. That is, the transmitting means 2309 transmits the game execution request to the second terminal 5 of the second user SU, who is a participant, as a transmission step (step S213).

According to this embodiment, by automatically deciding to allow a second user SU who has a higher charge amount AC for a first user FU to participate in a game, it is possible to encourage the second user SU to pay and support the monetization of the video distribution of the first user FU.

[Modification]
Although the present disclosure has been described based on the first to third embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The following modifications are also included in the present disclosure.

[First Modification]
In the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 2304 may further acquire optional information associated with the post C as the acquisition step. In this aspect, the display unit 2308 determines the display mode of the second user information UI on the game screen based on the optional information as the display step. According to this aspect, the second user SU's usage status of functions and services provided by the video distribution service in relation to the post C can be reflected in the second user information UI representing the second user SU who is the poster. Note that, similar to step S111 of the second embodiment, the optional information preferably includes information regarding the billing of the first user FU by the second user SU.

[Second Modification]
In the second and third embodiments, the adjustment means 2311 may, as an adjustment step, adjust a predetermined effect in the game that is granted to at least one of the first user FU and the second user SU when the second user SU participates in the game, based on the option information acquired by the acquisition means 2304. Here, the predetermined effect includes a reward obtained by clearing the game or a mission in the game, the abilities or characteristics of a character or item, parameters such as stamina consumed while playing the game, and the like.

Here, with reference to the video viewing screen 9 of FIG. 11, the game screen 10 of FIG. 12, and the game screen 11 of FIG. 13, a specific example will be described in which the adjustment means 2311 adjusts the reward to be granted to the first user FU when the second user SU participates in the game based on the charge amount AC included in the option information. For example, in the example shown on the video viewing screen 9 of FIG. 11, the charge amount AC included in the option information of post C is the highest charge amount AC of post C3 by the second user SU3, so the adjustment means 2311 adjusts, for example, the game completion reward to be granted to the first user FU when the second user SU3 participates in the game to increase it by a predetermined amount. In detail, the adjustment means 2311 executes a process in the game data stored in the memory unit 22 to associate a game completion reward higher than the normal game completion reward with the condition that the second user SU3 participates in the game.

The display means 2308 may also determine the display mode of the candidate information AI3 of the second user SU3 based on the adjustment content determined by the adjustment means 2311. Preferably, the display means 2308 determines the display mode of the candidate information AI3 to be a display mode that clearly indicates to the first user FU that the game completion reward of the first user FU will increase if the second user SU3 participates in the game. For example, as shown in game screen 10 of FIG. 12 and game screen 11 of FIG. 13, the candidate information AI3 of the second user SU3 includes the display "Reward UP" below the VIP mark VM, and is displayed in a display mode that makes it clear at a glance that the game completion reward of the first user FU will increase if the second user SU3 participates in the game.

According to this aspect, by making it easier for the first user FU to select a second user SU who has paid a larger amount AC to the first user FU as a participant in the game, or by making it easier for the second user SU to benefit from participating in the game the larger the amount AC charged, it is possible to encourage the second user SU to pay and support the monetization of the video distribution of the first user FU.

[others]
In the above embodiment, the first identification information identifying the second user SU in the game is a game ID. However, the first identification information is not limited to a game ID. For example, the first identification information may be identification information that can uniquely identify the second user SU in the game and is dedicated to a specific application. Examples of such first identification information include an ID dedicated to a game participation application, an ID dedicated to a friend registration application, and an ID dedicated to a gift application. In this embodiment, the video viewing screen 7 ( FIG. 7 ) may be provided with multiple deep link DLs corresponding to the content of requests from the second user SU to the first user FU. For example, the video viewing screen 7 ( FIG. 7 ) may be provided with a deep link DL that enables acquisition of an ID dedicated to a game participation application, a deep link DL that enables acquisition of an ID dedicated to a friend registration application, and a deep link DL that enables acquisition of an ID dedicated to a gift application. In addition, in the video viewing screen 9 ( FIG. 11 ), the battle ID may be an ID dedicated to a battle application.

The video viewing screen 7 (Figure 7) may include a deep link DL that enables the second user SU to acquire third identification information to withdraw a request to the first user FU. When the second user SU inputs a character string corresponding to the third identification information as a post C in a manner similar to the method of inputting a character string corresponding to a game ID (first identification information) as a post C1 in the first embodiment described above, the acquisition means 2304 further acquires the third identification information as an acquisition step. Next, the identification means 2306 identifies the second user SU who will withdraw the request based on the acquired third identification information as an identification step. Thereafter, the display means 2308 changes the display information related to the game screen 8 (Figure 8) so that the second user information UI of the second user SU is not displayed on the game screen 8. This aspect allows various applications to be easily withdrawn from the video viewing screen.

Like the video viewing screen 7 (FIG. 7), the video viewing screen 9 (FIG. 11) may include a deep link DL that enables acquisition of third identification information, such as a match withdrawal ID, for withdrawing a request to participate in a game. When a character string corresponding to the match withdrawal ID (third identification information) is input as a post C by the second user SU, the acquisition means 2304 further acquires the match withdrawal ID (third identification information) as an acquisition step. Next, the identification means 2306 identifies the second user SU who will withdraw their participation request based on the acquired match withdrawal ID (third identification information) as an identification step. Thereafter, in the second embodiment, the display means 2308 changes the display information related to the game screen 10 (FIG. 12) so that the candidate information AI of the second user SU is not displayed on the game screen 10. In the third embodiment, the determination means 2307 determines participants after excluding the second user SU from the candidates to participate in the game. This aspect allows for easy withdrawal of an application to participate in a game from the video viewing screen.

In the above third embodiment, the determination means 2307 determines one participant to participate in the game, but the determination means 2307 may determine multiple participants. For example, the determination means 2307 may determine multiple participants as team members of the first user FU in a team battle in a cooperative game.

When there are multiple second users SU requesting to participate in the game, the determination means 2307 may, as a determination step, determine which of the multiple second users SU will participate in the game based on the profile information of the first user FU and the second user SU. For example, the determination means 2307 may determine as a participant a second user SU who has a game user rank UR equivalent to the game user rank UR of the first user FU.

When there are multiple second users SU requesting to participate in the game, the determination means 2307 may, as a determination step, determine from among the multiple second users SU which participants will participate in the game based on optional information accompanying the post C. For example, the determination means 2307 may determine as participants second users SU who follow or have registered as friends the first user FU who is the video distributor. As another example, the determination means 2307 may determine as participants second users SU who have subscribed to the channel of the first user FU who is the video distributor.

When there are multiple second users SU requesting to participate in the game, the determination means 2307 may, as a determination step, determine from among the multiple second users SU a participant to participate in the game based on the relationship in the game between the first user FU and the second user SU. For example, when the game user DB 221 of the storage unit 22 stores friend relationships between game users, the determination means 2307 may determine as a participant a second user SU who is a friend of the first user FU who is the video distributor.

The first embodiment may be implemented in combination with the second or third embodiment. In this aspect, the display means 2308 displays a game screen including second user information UI and candidate information AI on the first terminal 4 as a display step. An example of a game screen including second user information UI and candidate information AI is a game screen including a list consisting of candidate information AI of second users SU requesting to participate in the game, such as a match candidate list (see game screen 10 in FIG. 12), and a list consisting of second user information UI of second users SU who have made requests to the first user FU other than a participation request, such as a friend registration request, such as a friend candidate list.

The video distribution site 3 may store game programs and various game-related data in its storage unit. In this embodiment, the control unit of the video distribution site 3 may execute the game program using the distribution data received from the server device 2, and distribute videos showing game screens by generating and updating two-dimensional or three-dimensional game images. In other words, while in the above embodiment and modified example, the distribution data was data in which the game screen was converted into video data, in this embodiment, it does not need to be video data, and may simply include data on game operations by the first user FU, who is the player.

The above embodiments and variations may be implemented as a program. This program causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1.

In the above embodiment and variant examples, the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 are smartphones, but the first terminal 4 and the second terminal 5 may also be amusement machines provided at game centers, etc. The above games may be action games, shooting games, role-playing games, simulation games, board games, puzzle games, etc., and can be applied to various types of games.

In the above embodiment and variant examples, the server device 2 executes each step of the information processing system 1, but this is not limiting. All of the means of the information processing system 1, i.e., the information processing means 2301, the matching means 2302, the reception means 2303, the acquisition means 2304, the determination means 2305, the identification means 2306, the decision means 2307, the display means 2308, the transmission means 2309, the output means 2310, the adjustment means 2311, the storage means 2312, the progression means 2313, and the game control means 2314, may be provided in the server device 2 alone, the first terminal 4 alone, a communications terminal other than the server device 2 and the first terminal 4, or two of these devices that can be combined. Furthermore, when the server device 2, the first terminal 4, and the communications terminal function as an integrated unit, the means that function on which device can be changed as appropriate.

Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of this embodiment will be achieved. It is also possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, and other embodiments with each other, as appropriate.

Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects.
The information processing system is further configured to execute a first determination step, in which the first determination step determines whether or not there is a request from the second user to participate in the game based on the post, the acquisition step acquires the identification information associated with the participation request from the video distribution site when it is determined that there is a request to participate, the identification step identifies candidate information representing the second user as a candidate to participate in the game based on the identification information associated with the participation request, and the display step displays the game screen including the candidate information on the first terminal.
In the information processing system, the identification information is first identification information that identifies the second user in the game.
The information processing system is further configured to execute a first determination step, in which, if the post includes a character string corresponding to the first identification information, it is determined that there is a request from the second user to participate in the game; in the acquisition step, the first identification information is acquired from the video distribution site in association with the participation request; in the identification step, candidate information representing the second user as a candidate to participate in the game is identified based on the first identification information associated with the participation request; and in the display step, the game screen including the candidate information is displayed on the first terminal.
In the information processing system, if the post includes a character string corresponding to the first identification information, the character string is not distributed to viewers other than the second user who is watching the video.
In the information processing system, the acquisition step acquires first identification information associated with second identification information from the video distribution site, wherein the first identification information is information that identifies the second user in the game, and the second identification information is information that identifies the second user on the video distribution site; the identification step identifies the second user information or the candidate information based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request; and the display step displays the game screen including the second user information or the candidate information on the first terminal.
In the information processing system, the acquisition step acquires second identification information from the video distribution site, where the second identification information is information that identifies the second user on the video distribution site; the identification step identifies first identification information that is pre-stored and identifies the second user in the game based on the second identification information, and then identifies the second user information or the candidate information based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request; and the display step displays the game screen including the second user information or the candidate information on the first terminal.
In the information processing system, the acquisition step further acquires optional information attached to the post, and the display step determines the display mode of the second user information or the candidate information on the game screen based on the optional information.
In the information processing system, the option information includes information regarding billing by the second user to the first user.
The information processing system is further configured to execute a transmission step, in which a request to play the game is sent to the second terminal of the second user corresponding to the selected candidate information based on a selection operation of at least one of the candidate information received by the first terminal from the first user.
The information processing system is further configured to execute a second determination step, in which, when it is determined that there is a participation request, optional information attached to the post by the second user to the video is further obtained in the acquisition step, and the priority of allowing the second user to participate in the game is determined based on the optional information in the second determination step, and the display step determines the display mode of the candidate information on the game screen based on the priority.
The information processing system is further configured to execute a determination step and a transmission step, in which the determination step determines a participant to participate in the game from among a plurality of second users who request participation in the game based on the priority, the display step displays the game screen on the first terminal including the candidate information of the second user determined as the participant, and the transmission step sends a request to play the game to the second terminal of the second user who is the participant.
The information processing system is further configured to execute an adjustment step, in which the acquisition step further acquires optional information attached to the post by the second user to the video, and the adjustment step adjusts, based on the optional information, a predetermined effect in the game to be granted to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user participates in the game.
A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of the above.
An information processing method comprising the steps of any one of the information processing systems described above.

Finally, while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Such embodiments and their variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1 Information processing system 2 Server device 21 Network interface 22 Storage unit 221 Game user DB
23 Control unit 2301 Information processing means 2302 Matching means 2303 Accepting means 2304 Acquisition means 2305 Determination means 2306 Identification means 2307 Decision means 2308 Display means 2309 Transmission means 2310 Output means 2311 Adjustment means 2312 Storage means 2313 Progression means 2314 Game control means 29 Bus 3 Video distribution site 4 First terminal 41 Network interface 42 Graphics processing unit 43 Audio processing unit 44 Operation unit 45 Storage unit 46 Control unit 461 Communication means 462 Game execution means 463 Notification control means 49 Bus 5 Second terminal 5a Second terminal 5b Second terminal 5c Second terminal 6 Communication network 61 Display 62 Speaker 63 Touch pad 7 Video viewing screen 8 Game screen 81 Button 82 Button 9 Video viewing screen 10 Game screen 101 Button 11 Game screen 111 Button 112 Button AI Candidate information AI1 Candidate information AI2 Candidate information AI3 Candidate information AC Charge amount C Post C1 Post C2 Post C3 Post C1' Post C2' Post DL Deep link GN Game user name HU First user M Message SI Stamp icon SN Service user name SU Second user SU1 Second user SU2 Second user SU3 Second user SV Volume icon PI Profile icon PS Play/pause button TB Text box UI Second user information UI1 Second user information UI2 Second user information UI3 Second user information UR Game user rank VA Video display area VM VIP mark

Claims (16)

An information processing system,
It is configured to perform the following steps:
In the progression step, the first terminal progresses the game based on the game operation received from the first user;
In the output step, distribution data for distributing a video showing a game screen in which the game is being played to a second terminal of a second user is output to a video distribution site;
In the acquiring step, identification information for identifying the second user is acquired from the video distribution site based on content posted by the second user with respect to the video;
In the identifying step, second user information representing the second user is identified based on the acquired identification information;
In the display step, the game screen including the second user information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
configured to further perform a first determining step;
In the first determination step, it is determined whether or not there is a request to participate in the game from the second user based on the post;
In the acquiring step, when it is determined that the participation request has been made, the identification information is acquired from the video distribution site in association with the participation request;
In the specifying step, candidate information representing the second user as a candidate to participate in the game is specified based on the identification information associated with the participation request;
In the display step, the game screen including the candidate information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing. 3. The information processing system according to claim 1,
the identification information is first identification information that identifies the second user in the game;
thing. 4. The information processing system according to claim 3,
configured to further perform a first determining step;
In the first determination step, if the post includes a character string corresponding to the first identification information, it is determined that there is a request to participate in the game from the second user;
In the acquiring step, the first identification information is acquired from the video distribution site in association with the participation request;
In the identifying step, candidate information representing the second user as a candidate to participate in the game is identified based on the first identification information associated with the participation request;
In the display step, the game screen including the candidate information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4,
If the post includes a character string corresponding to the first identification information, the character string is not distributed to viewers other than the second user who watches the video.
thing. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2,
in the acquiring step, first identification information associated with second identification information is acquired from the video distribution site, wherein the first identification information is information for identifying the second user in the game, and the second identification information is information for identifying the second user on the video distribution site;
In the identifying step, the second user information or the candidate information is identified based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request;
In the display step, the game screen including the second user information or the candidate information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing. 3. The information processing system according to claim 2,
In the acquiring step, second identification information is acquired from the video distribution site, and the second identification information is information for identifying the second user on the video distribution site;
In the identifying step, first identification information that identifies the second user in the game and that is stored in advance is identified based on the second identification information, and then the second user information or the candidate information is identified based on the first identification information or the first identification information associated with the participation request;
In the display step, the game screen including the second user information or the candidate information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing. In the information processing system according to claim 2, any one of claims 3 to 5, 6, and 7 which cite claim 2,
In the acquiring step, optional information attached to the post is further acquired;
In the display step, a display mode of the second user information or the candidate information on the game screen is determined based on the option information.
thing. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8,
the option information includes information regarding a charge made by the second user to the first user;
thing. In the information processing system according to claim 2, any one of claims 3 to 5, and claims 6 to 9 which cite claim 2,
configured to further perform a sending step;
In the transmitting step, the first terminal transmits the request to play the game to the second terminal of the second user corresponding to the selected candidate information, based on a selection operation of at least one of the candidate information received from the first user.
thing. In the information processing system according to claim 2, any one of claims 3 to 5, and claims 6 to 10 which cite claim 2,
configured to further perform a second determining step;
In the acquiring step, if it is determined that the participation request has been made, optional information attached to the post by the second user to the video is further acquired;
In the second determination step, a priority for allowing the second user to participate in the game is determined based on the option information;
In the display step, a display mode of the candidate information on the game screen is determined based on the priority.
thing. 12. The information processing system according to claim 11,
configured to further perform the determining step and the transmitting step;
In the determining step, a participant to be allowed to participate in the game is determined from among the plurality of second users who have requested to participate in the game based on the priority;
In the display step, the game screen including the candidate information of the second user determined as the participant is displayed on the first terminal;
In the transmitting step, a request to play the game is transmitted to the second terminal of the second user who is the participant.
thing. In the information processing system according to claim 8 and claims 9 to 12 which cite claim 8,
configured to further perform an adjustment step;
In the acquiring step, optional information attached to the posting by the second user to the video is further acquired;
In the adjusting step, a predetermined effect in the game to be given to at least one of the first user and the second user when the second user participates in the game is adjusted based on the option information.
thing. A program,
A computer is caused to execute each step of the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
thing. An information processing method, comprising:
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
method. An information processing system,
It is configured to perform the following steps:
In the progression step, the first terminal progresses the game based on the game operation received from the first user;
In the output step, distribution data for distributing a video showing a game screen in which the game is being played to a second terminal of a second user is output to a video distribution site;
In the acquiring step, when a predetermined request is included in the post from the second user regarding the video , identification information identifying the second user is acquired from the video distribution site;
In the identifying step, second user information representing the second user is identified based on the acquired identification information;
In the display step, the game screen including the second user information is displayed on the first terminal.
thing.