Game device, method for controlling a game device, game system, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a program stored on a computer-readable storage medium, the program characterized by causing a processor of a game device to function as: a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video of the game; and an acquisition unit that acquires message information output from a terminal device that displays a distribution video based on the video information, and that includes a message related to at least one of the distribution video and the game, wherein the game control unit incorporates the message included in the message information into the video of the game based on progress state information indicating a progress state of the game.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gaming device, a method for controlling a gaming device, a gaming system, and a recording medium. Background Technology

[0002] A technology for a video distribution system has been proposed, which includes a game device that executes a video game and generates video information instructing the video game, and a terminal device that can view the distributed video based on the video information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Related technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-134409 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] When a viewer watches a video game distribution video on a terminal device, the video game running on that device may be of particular interest to the viewer. In this case, for example, the viewer may post messages related to the video game on a website such as an SNS (Social Networking Service) site. In this scenario, viewers on the website will be able to understand the level of excitement of the video game based on the video game-related messages posted on the website. However, the user playing the video game on the device and the viewer of the video game distribution video may sometimes be unaware of the level of excitement in the video game.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide a technology capable of informing at least one of the user of a video game on a video game playing device and the viewer of a video game distribution video of the video game of the level of stimulation of the video game.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To address the above problems, according to one aspect of the invention, a recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded, which enables a processor of a game device to function as: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. The game controller is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded, which enables the processor of the game device to function as: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game. The game controller is configured to determine, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video.

[0012] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, the gaming device includes: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game. The game controller is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus includes: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game. The game controller is configured to determine, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video.

[0014] Additionally, according to one aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a gaming device includes arranging a processor of the gaming device as: a game controller that executes a video game and generates video information indicating the video game; and a acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game, and the game controller incorporating messages contained in the message information into the video game based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a gaming device includes arranging a processor of the gaming device as: a game controller that executes a video game and generates video information indicating the video game; and a acquirer that acquires message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game, and the game controller determining, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, a game system is a game system having a game device that executes a video game and generates video information indicating the video game, the game system comprising: a acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; and a game controller configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a game system is a game device having a game apparatus for executing a video game and generating video information indicating the video game, the game system comprising: a acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; and a game controller configured to determine, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of Sys, a video distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram illustrating example operations of the Sys video distribution system.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the DH-1 game video.

[0021] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the DH-4 game video.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the game video DD for distribution.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the SNS site GS.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the DH-1 game video.

[0025] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the DH-4 game video.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the game video DD for distribution.

[0027] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the game video DH-1 displayed during the off-play period TG2.

[0028] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example overview of the game video DH-1 displayed during the off-play period TG2.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the gaming device 10.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the gaming device 10.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the message management server 30.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the message management server 30.

[0033] Figure 16 The example data configuration for the message management table TBL1 is shown.

[0034] Figure 17 The example data configuration for incorporating messages into information table TBL2 is shown.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing message retrieval processing.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the gaming device 10 when performing message analysis and processing.

[0037] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing message incorporation processing.

[0038] Figure 21This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing message incorporation processing.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing message incorporation method determination processing.

[0040] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing rendering mode determination processing.

[0041] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating an example overview of the Sys-A video distribution system according to Variant Example 1.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the message management server 30A.

[0043] Figure 26 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the gaming device 10A.

[0044] Figure 27 Example data configuration of device management table TBL11 is shown.

[0045] Figure 28 The example data configuration for the team management table TBL12 is shown.

[0046] Figure 29 The example data configuration for incorporating messages into information table TBL13 is shown.

[0047] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing matching information generation processing.

[0048] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing message retrieval processing.

[0049] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing message incorporation instruction information generation processing.

[0050] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing message incorporation instruction information generation processing.

[0051] Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing a message incorporation method determination process.

[0052] Figure 35 An example overview of the video distribution system Sys-B according to variant example 3 is shown.

[0053] Figure 36 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example overview of the operation of the Sys-B video distribution system.

[0054] Figure 37 This shows an example overview of the video distribution screen DY. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following description, embodiments for implementing the invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the dimensions and proportions of each part may differ from the actual configuration as appropriate. The embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the invention. Therefore, various technically preferred limitations are included in the embodiments. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments unless otherwise specified to specifically limit the invention.

[0056] A. Implementation Method

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0058] 1. Overview of the video distribution system

[0059] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the general structure of the video distribution system Sys according to this embodiment. The following will refer to... Figure 1 Describe the overview of the video distribution system Sys.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the video distribution system Sys has a game system SysG, which includes multiple game devices 10-1 to 10-M capable of playing a football video game (an example of a "video game"), multiple display devices 20-1 to 20-M corresponding to the game devices 10-1 to 10-M, a message management server 30 that can communicate with the game devices 10 via a network NW, and a video editing device 40 that can communicate with the game devices 10 via a network NW. Here, the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Hereinafter, the m-th game device 10 among the game devices 10-1 to 10-M will be referred to as game device 10-m, where the value m is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M. Hereinafter, the m-th display device 20 among the display devices 20-1 to 20-M will sometimes be referred to as display device 20-m.

[0061] In this embodiment, the gaming device 10 is assumed to be a home video game device as an example. However, the gaming device 10 can be any information processing device. For example, the gaming device 10 can be an arcade game machine installed in a store, entertainment facility, etc., or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or smartphone, or a fixed information device such as a personal computer. Although this embodiment provides an example of the gaming device 10 being able to communicate with the video editing device 40 via a network NW, the invention is not limited thereto. The gaming device 10 can communicate with the video editing device 40 via a cable such as, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI (registered trademark)).

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the video distribution system Sys has a video distribution server 50 that can communicate with the game system SysG via network NW, an SNS server 60 that can communicate with the game system SysG via network NW, and multiple terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N that can communicate with the video distribution server 50 and the SNS server 60 via network NW, where the value N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. Hereinafter, the nth terminal device 70 among terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N can be referred to as terminal device 70-n, where the value n is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ n ≤ N.

[0063] As the terminal device 70, an information processing device capable of connecting to a network NW can be adopted, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or personal computer.

[0064] In this embodiment, the game device 10-m can display the video of a football video game being played on the game device 10-m on the display unit 21-m, which is located on the display device 20-m corresponding to the game device 10-m. Hereinafter, the video of the football video game displayed by the game device 10-m on the display unit 21-m is referred to as the display game video DH-m. In this embodiment, the display game video DH-m can be a still image GH-m to be displayed, updated every unit time interval (e.g., 1 / 60th of a second). Here, the still image GH-m to be displayed is a still image displayed on the display unit 21-m every unit time interval.

[0065] In this embodiment, among the gaming devices 10-1 to 10-M, one gaming device 10 (e.g., gaming device 10-1) can communicate with another gaming device 10 (e.g., gaming device 10-2) via network NW. Specifically, gaming device 10-1 sends information to gaming device 10-2 about the football video game running on gaming device 10-1. Gaming device 10-2 also sends information to gaming device 10-1 about the football video game being played on gaming device 10-2. Therefore, multiple gaming devices 10-1 to 10-M can share information about the football video game running on each gaming device 10-M. Then, user U-1 of gaming device 10-1 and user U-2 of gaming device 10-2 can form teams and cooperate with each other to play the football video game, or compete against each other in the football video game (a football video game match).

[0066] Hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 6. Hereinafter, as an example, in a football video game, it is assumed that user U-1 of game device 10-1, user U-2 of game device 10-2, and user U-3 of game device 10-3 form a team T1 and cooperate with each other to play the football video game. Hereinafter, as an example, in a football video game, it is assumed that user U-4 of game device 10-4, user U-5 of game device 10-5, and user U-6 of game device 10-6 form a team T2 and cooperate with each other to play the football video game. Furthermore, hereinafter, as an example, it is assumed that teams T1 and T2 play against each other in the football video game. That is, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the football video game is played on game device 10-m.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram used to illustrate the operational overview of the video distribution system Sys according to this embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, when the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 are executing a football video game (S10), during game devices 10-1 to 10-6, game device 10-m provides the video editing device 40 with display game video information JDH-m, which indicates the display game video DH-m of the football video game being executed on game device 10-m (S12). Here, the display game video information JDH-m may also be information indicating the still images GH-m to be displayed that are updated in real time for each unit time period, information indicating a series of still images GH-m to be displayed that correspond one-to-one with a series of unit time periods, or information on the addition of audio from the football video game.

[0069] Next, based on one or more display game video information JDH-m provided from one, some or all of the game devices 10-1 to 10-6, the video editing device 40 generates a distribution game video DD as a video of a football video game being executed in the game devices 10-1 to 10-6, and provides the distribution game video information JDD (S14) indicating the generated distribution game video DD to the video distribution server 50.

[0070] Here, the game video DD for distribution can be a video generated based on multiple display game video information JDH-m provided from some or all of the game devices 10-1 to 10-6, or a video generated based on a single display game video information JDH-m provided from a single game device 10-m among the game devices 10-1 to 10-6. In this embodiment, the game video DD for distribution can be a still image GD for distribution that is updated every unit time period. Here, the still image GD for distribution can be an image that includes the same still image as the display still image GH-m indicated by the display game video information JDH-m, or an image that includes a still image obtained by changing the resolution of the display still image GH-m indicated by the display game video information JDH-m. In addition, the game video information JDD for distribution can be information indicating the still image GD for distribution that is updated every unit time period in real time, information indicating a series of still images GD for distribution that correspond one-to-one with a series of unit time periods, or information that has already added audio from a football video game.

[0071] Next, the video distribution server 50 provides the game video information JDD (S16) provided by the video editing device 40 to the terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N for distribution. Figure 1 As shown, the terminal device 70-n is equipped with a display 71-n. In response to providing distribution game video information JDD from the video distribution server 50, the terminal device 70-n causes the display 71-n to display the distribution game video DD indicated by the distribution game video information JDD.

[0072] Then, in response to a user from terminal device 70-n sending message information JMs including message Ms to SNS server 60 (S18), message management server 30 retrieves message information JMs from SNS server 60 (S20).

[0073] Then, the message management server 30 provides the acquired message information JMs to the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 (S22).

[0074] Then, under specific conditions, the game device 10-m incorporates the message Ms contained in the message information JMs provided in step S22 into the game video DH for display (S24).

[0075] 2. Overview of videos generated in the video distribution system

[0076] The following will refer to Figures 3 to 11 This describes the various types of videos generated in the video distribution system Sys.

[0077] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the display game video DH-1 generated by the game device 10-1, and Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the display game video DH-4 generated by the game device 10-4.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the display game video DH-m is a video indicating how a football video game is played in a virtual space Fd, such as a virtual football field. Specifically, in this embodiment, the display game video DH-m shows, for example, how a player character CC-m, operated by user Um, kicks a ball object OB in the virtual space Fd. In this embodiment, the display game video DH-m also shows, for example, a spectator character CK watching the football video game from behind a fence object OF in the virtual space Fd. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display game video DH-m includes, for example, a score image GP indicating the score in the football video game.

[0079] Figure 3 The display in the video, using game video DH-1, shows how a football video game is played in virtual space Fd from a viewpoint easily operated by user U-1, allowing player character CC-1 to control the game. Similarly, Figure 4 The display shown in the game video DH-4 illustrates how a football video game can be played in virtual space Fd from a viewpoint easily operated by user U-4, who is the player character CC-4.

[0080] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the game video DD for distribution generated by the video editing device 40.

[0081] In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the video editing device 40 generates a distribution game video DD based on the display game video DH-m corresponding to the user Um belonging to team T1 among users U-1 to U-6 and the display game video DH-m corresponding to the user Um belonging to team T2 among users U-1 to U-6. Figure 5 An example is illustrated by a video editing device 40 generating and distributing game video DD as a component. Figure 3 The display shown uses game video DH-1 and Figure 4 The image shown is a video of the game DH-4.

[0082] In this embodiment, the game video DD for distribution includes a game-specific string designated image GG indicating the video game being executed on the game device 10-m, that is, a football game-specific string as a string specifying a football video game. Additionally, the game video DD for distribution includes: a team-specific string designated image GT-m indicating a team-specific string as a string specifying the team to which user Um belongs; a user-specific string designated image GN-m indicating a user-specific string as a string identifying user Um; and a user imaging video DU-m as a video obtained by imaging user Um.

[0083] Here, the football game-specific string is a string (e.g., a hashtag) to be added to a message Ms when a user on terminal device 70-n posts a message Ms related to the football video game on SNS server 60. The team-specific string is a string (e.g., a hashtag) to be added to a message Ms when a user on terminal device 70-n posts a message Ms related to the team to which user Um, who is playing the football video game, belongs. Additionally, the user-specific string is a string (e.g., a hashtag) to be added to a message Ms when a user on terminal device 70-n posts a message Ms related to user Um, who is playing the football video game, on SNS server 60. Hereinafter, the football game-specific string, team-specific string, and user-specific string may be collectively referred to as specific strings.

[0084] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, in addition to the game video DH-1 and the game video DH-4 for display, the game video DD for distribution also includes: a game-specific string-specified image GG; a user imaging video DU-1, a user-specific string-specified image GN-1, and a team-specific string-specified image GT-1 corresponding to user U-1; and a user imaging video DU-4, a user-specific string-specified image GN-4, and a team-specific string-specified image GT-4 corresponding to user U-4.

[0085] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate an example overview of the SNS site GS provided by SNS server 60.

[0086] like Figure 6As shown, the SNS site GS has multiple message display areas Msg (Msg-1, Msg-2, Msg-3, ...) corresponding one-to-one with multiple message messages JMs sent by users from terminal devices 70-n. Each message display area Msg has a username display area Ar1, a message body display area Ar2, a specific string display area Ar3, a contour image display area Ar4, a used points display area Ar5, and a positive review count display area Ar6.

[0087] The username display area Ar1 displays, for example, the username of the terminal device 70-n that has sent message JMs to SNS server 60, as well as the date and time when message JMs was sent from terminal device 70-n. The message body display area Ar2 displays the message Ms contained in the message JMs sent from terminal device 70-n to SNS server 60. The specific string display area Ar3 displays a specific string contained in the message JMs sent from terminal device 70-n to SNS server 60. The outline image display area Ar4 displays the outline image of the user of terminal device 70-n who has sent message JMs to SNS server 60.

[0088] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the user of terminal device 70-n can use points when sending message information JMs to SNS server 60, which includes messages Ms relating to one or both of the football video game and the game video DD for distribution. Here, "points" can be a value in the football video game, such as virtual currency usable in the football video game, or a real-world value, such as currency usable in the real world. Furthermore, "using points" can, for example, mean that the user of terminal device 70-n provides points to the user Um of game device 10-m, or that the user of terminal device 70-n provides points to the organizer of the football video game, or that the user of terminal device 70-n exchanges the points they possess for goods or services provided by the sponsor of the football video game.

[0089] In this embodiment, when a user of terminal device 70-n has used points, terminal device 70-n sends a message JMs containing used points information JPT to SNS server 60. Here, the used points information JPT indicates points Pt, which represents the amount of points used when the user of terminal device 70-n uses points. In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, it is assumed that in addition to the message body information indicating message Ms, the specific string information indicating a specific string, and the used points information JPT, message information JMs also includes username information and message sending date and time information. Figure 6As shown in the example, SNS server 60 displays the points Pt indicated by the used points information JPT contained in the message information JMs sent from terminal device 70-n to SNS server 60 in the used points display area Ar5.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, users of terminal devices 70-n can give positive reviews to messages Ms displayed on the SNS site GS. The SNS server 60 counts the number of positive reviews received for each message Ms and stores the count value as the number of positive reviews Pf. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, the SNS server 60 displays the number of positive reviews Pf stored by the SNS server 60 in the positive review count display area Ar6.

[0091] As described above, the message management server 30 provides the game device 10-m with message information JMs obtained from the SNS server 60. Additionally, the message management server 30 obtains evaluation quantity information JPF from the SNS server 60 and provides the obtained evaluation quantity information JPF to the game device 10-m. Here, the evaluation quantity information JPF indicates the number of positive evaluations Pf that the message Ms has received. As described above, the game device 10-m can incorporate the message Ms contained in the message information JMs provided by the message management server 30 into the display game video DH.

[0092] In this embodiment, when the gaming device 10-m executes a football video game, the game progress period TG from the start to the end of the football video game is divided into one or more in-play periods TG1 and one or more out-of-play periods TG2. Hereinafter, the in-play period TG1 and the out-of-play period TG2 can be collectively referred to as the game period TGq. That is, the game progress period TG is divided into multiple game periods TGq.

[0093] In this embodiment, for example, the playing period TG1 can be a period in virtual space Fd during which the state of the player character CC-m or the ball object OB can be changed based on the operation of the game device 10-m by the user Um of the game device 10-m. Specifically, the playing period TG1 can be the collective term for the period from the start (kick-off) of the football video game to the end of the first half (excluding game pause periods) and the period from the start to the end of the second half (excluding game pause periods) during the game experience of the football video game. Here, the game pause period can be the period in the football video game during which the progress of the football video game is temporarily suspended in response to a goal or a foul. Alternatively, the game pause period can be the period from the point when the user Um of the game device 10-m pauses the progress of the football video game by operating the game device 10-m until the user Um releases the pause. The game pause period can be obtained by removing the period during which the user Um of the game device 10-m is operating the game device 10-m from the period during which the game is temporarily paused in response to a goal or foul in the football video game. Alternatively, the game pause period can be obtained by removing the period during which the user Um of the game device 10-m is operating the game device 10-m from the time when the game is temporarily paused by the user Um of the game device 10-m by operating the game device 10-m until the user Um lifts the temporary pause by operating the game device 10-m.

[0094] The pause period TG2 can be, for example, a period during which the user Um of the gaming device 10-m cannot change the state of the player character CC-m and the ball object OB in the virtual space Fd. Specifically, the pause period TG2 can be a collective term for the period before the start of the match (before kickoff), the period from the end of the first half to the start of the second half (halftime), the period after the end of the second half, and the period when the game is paused.

[0095] "The state of player character CC-m" could be, for example, the position, posture, movement speed, or movement direction of player character CC-m in virtual space Fd; it could be the possibility of player character CC-m existing in a football video game; or it could be one, some, or all of these. "The state of ball object OB" could be, for example, the position, movement speed, or movement direction of ball object OB in virtual space Fd.

[0096] Note that the playing period TG1 can be, for example, a period during which the final result of the football video game might change at the end of the match compared to the unplayable period TG2. For example, the playing period TG1 could be a period during which the progress of the football video game in the playing period TG1 might affect the final result of the match. Conversely, the unplayable period TG2 could be a period during the unplayable period TG2 where the progress of the football video game does not affect the final result of the match. Additionally, the playing period TG1 can be a period where the result determination parameter can change. In this embodiment, the result determination parameter can be a parameter used to determine the final result of the football video game match. Specifically, the result determination parameter can be the scores of teams T1 and T2 in the football video game match. In this embodiment, a "football video game" is shown as an example of a "video game." However, in the case of a video game such as a "fighting video game" or a "shooting video game" in which a first character and a second character, who are the objects of operation of the user Um of the game device 10, engage in combat, the result determination parameter can be a parameter indicating the probability of the existence of a first character and a second character in the video game, such as the hit rate of the first character and the second character.

[0097] The gaming device 10-m can also allow the football video game to progress in a play-in progress mode during the play period TG1 and in a stop-play progress mode during the stop-play period TG2. Here, the play-in progress mode can be, for example, a progress mode based on operations performed by the user Um of the gaming device 10-m, allowing changes to the state of the player character CC-m or the ball object OB in the virtual space Fd. The stop-play progress mode can be, for example, a progress mode that does not allow the user Um of the gaming device 10-m to change the state of the player character CC-m and the ball object OB in the virtual space Fd.

[0098] Note that, compared to the "stop playing" progression mode, the "playing" progression mode can be, for example, a progression mode in which the final outcome of the football video game match might be changed at the end of the game. For instance, the "playing" progression mode could be a progression mode in which the progress of the football video game according to the "playing" progression mode could affect the final outcome of the match. Conversely, the "stop playing" progression mode could be a progression mode in which the progress of the football video game according to the "stop playing" progression mode is unlikely to affect the final outcome of the match.

[0099] Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example overview of the display game video DH-m, which has been incorporated into the message Ms. The display game video DH-m is displayed when the game device 10-m is playing a football video game in play progress mode during the play period TG1. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the display game video DH-1 generated by the game device 10-1, and Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the display game video DH-4 generated by the game device 10-4.

[0100] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the game device 10-m incorporates the message Ms as an overlay display image GMx-m or as a virtual space display image GMy-m into the displayed game video DH-m during gameplay progression mode. Hereinafter, the overlay display image GMx-m and the virtual space display image GMy-m can be collectively referred to as the message display image GM-m. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, one or more message display images GM-m corresponding to one or more messages Ms are displayed.

[0101] Here, the overlay image GMx-m is an image overlaid on an image representing the virtual space Fd shown in the display game video DH-m. In this embodiment, during the in-play period TG1, when the game device 10-m is in the soccer mode in the in-play progression mode, the overlay image GMx-m is displayed in a defined area Arm. The defined area Arm is the area located at the edge of the display unit 21-m that displays the display game video DH-m.

[0102] The image GMy-m displayed in the virtual space is an image displayed on an object existing in the virtual space Fd, as represented in the game video DH-m. In this embodiment, during the in-play period TG1, the game device 10-m plays a soccer video game in in-play progress mode, and displays the image GMy-m displayed in the virtual space on the surface of the fence object OF existing in the virtual space Fd.

[0103] In this embodiment, the message display image GM-m is classified into a colored display image GMxC and a non-colored display image GMxB. Here, the colored display image GMxC is an image in which the background of the string of message Ms in the message display image GM-m is colored. The non-colored display image GMxB is an image in the message display image GM-m where the background of the string of message Ms is not colored. Here, "an image where the background of the string is not colored" can be, for example, an image where the background of the string of message Ms is white, or an image where the background of the string of message Ms is colorless, transparent, or semi-transparent. That is, in this embodiment, the colored display image GMxC is more visible than the non-colored display image GMxB.

[0104] In this embodiment, the message display image GM-m is classified into a large display image GMxL and a small display image GMxS. Here, the large display image GMxL is an image in which the size of each character constituting the message Ms in the message display image GM-m is larger than the size of each character constituting the message Ms in the small display image GMxS. In other words, the small display image GMxS is an image in which the size of each character constituting the message Ms in the message display image GM-m is smaller than the size of each character constituting the message Ms in the large display image GMxL. Therefore, in this embodiment, the large display image GMxL is more visible than the small display image GMxS.

[0105] In this embodiment, the message display image GM-m is classified into images with audio display GMxP and images without audio display GMxN. Images with audio display GMxP are those among the message display images GM-m that play the audio of the message Ms represented by the message display image GM-m when the message display image GM-m is displayed in the display game video DH-m. Images without audio display GMxN are those among the message display images GM-m that do not play the audio of the message Ms represented by the message display image GM-m when the message display image GM-m is displayed in the display game video DH-m. Therefore, in this embodiment, the probability of identifying an image with audio display GMxP is greater than the probability of identifying an image without audio display GMxN.

[0106] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the message display image GM displayed in the game video DH is different from another message display image GM displayed in the game video DH. For example, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the game video DH-1 for display, the overlay image GMx-1, the virtual space image GMY-1[1] and the virtual space image GMY-1[2] are displayed. In the game video DH-4 for display, the overlay image GMx-4, the virtual space image GMY-4[1] and the virtual space image GMY-4[2] are displayed.

[0107] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a distribution game video DD generated by the video editing device 40 after incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH-m.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, even after incorporating message Ms into display game video DH-1 and display game video DH-4, the video editing device 40 generates a video including... Figure 7 The display shown uses game video DH-1 and Figure 8The image shown is a distribution video of the game video DH-4, shown as a game video DD.

[0109] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example overview of the game video DH-m displayed when the gaming device 10-m is playing a football video game in paused progress mode during paused play period TG2. Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display game video DH-1 generated by the game device 10-1 during the off-play period TG2, which occurs before the merged message Ms. Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display game video DH-1 generated by the game device 10-1 after the message Ms is incorporated during the off-play period TG2.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, during the inactivity period TG2, the player character CC-m moves independently of the user Um's operation on the game device 10-m. For example, Figure 10 An example is shown where the player character CC-m performs a joyful action immediately after scoring a goal in a football video game. However, this joyful action of the player character CC-m is a predetermined action that does not depend on the user Um's operation of the game device 10-m.

[0111] like Figure 11 As shown, during the off-play period TG2, after the incorporation of message Ms, an overlay image GMx-m is displayed in the game video DH-m. Figure 11 In the example shown, in the game video DH-1 for display, the game device 10-m displays GMx-1[3] and GMx-1[7], which are overlaid display images GMxC and GMxL, respectively; GMx-1[4], which are overlaid display images GMxC and GMxS, respectively; GMx-1[5], which are overlaid display images GMxB and GMxL, respectively; and GMx-1[2], GMx-1[6], GMx-1[8], GMx-1[9], and GMx-1

[10] , which are overlaid display images GMxB and GMxS, respectively.

[0112] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, one, some, or all of the overlay display images GMx-1[2] to GMx-1

[10] displayed in the game video DH-1 can be an audio display image GMxP. In this case, in Figure 11In the example shown, among the overlay display images GMx-1[2] to GMx-1

[10] displayed in the game video DH-1, the overlay display image GMx-m, except for one or more audio display images GMxP, corresponds to an audio-free display image GMxN.

[0113] In this embodiment, during the play period TG1, the overlay image GMx-m is displayed on the display game video DH-m, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The game device 10-m is not necessarily required to display the overlay image GMx-m on the display game video DH-m during the play period TG1.

[0114] In this embodiment, the virtual space display image GMY-m is not displayed in the display game video DH-m during the off-play period TG2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Even during the off-play period TG2, the game device 10-m can display the virtual space display image GMY-m together with the overlaid display image GMx-m in the display game video DH-m.

[0115] 3. Functions of the game device and message management server

[0116] The following is for reference Figures 12 to 15 Describe the functions of the game device 10 and the message management server 30.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the gaming device 10.

[0118] like Figure 12 As shown, the game device 10 includes a controller 11 for controlling each element of the game device 10, a storage unit 13 for storing various types of information, an input unit 14 for receiving operations from the user U of the game device 10, and a communicator 15 for performing communication between external devices outside the game device 10.

[0119] like Figure 12 As shown, controller 11 includes game controller 111 and message acquirer 124. Game controller 111 includes message integrator 120, message integrator mode determiner 123, message determiner 125, and message analyzer 126.

[0120] Message acquirer 124 acquires message information JMs and evaluation quantity information JPF provided by message management server 30. Message determiner 125 determines whether to incorporate message Ms contained in the message information JMs provided by message management server 30 into the game video DH for display. Message analyzer 126 analyzes one or both of the message information JMs and evaluation quantity information JPF provided by message management server 30, and generates analysis information Jk indicating the result of such analysis.

[0121] The message incorporation method determiner 123 determines how to incorporate the message Ms contained in the message information JMs provided by the message management server 30 into the display game video DH. The message incorporator 120 includes a game progression unit 121 and a video information generator 122. The game progression unit 121 progresses the football video game. The video information generator 122 generates display game video information JDH that indicates the display game video DH.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, the storage unit 13 already stores the message management table TBL1, the message merging information table TBL2, the user information table TBL3, the game state management table TBL4, and the control program PGg for controlling each element of the game device 10.

[0123] Figure 13 This is a configuration diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the gaming device 10.

[0124] like Figure 13As shown, the gaming device 10 includes a processor 1001 for controlling each element of the gaming device 10, a storage device 1003 for storing various types of information, an input device 1004 for receiving operations from the user U of the gaming device 10, and a communication device 1005 for communicating with external devices outside the gaming device 10. The storage device 1003 is, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The storage device 1003 is a non-transient storage medium, which includes, for example, one or both of volatile memory (such as random access memory (RAM)) used as the working area of ​​the processor 1001 and non-volatile memory (such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) used to store various types of information (such as a control program PGg), and is therefore used as storage unit 13. In this embodiment, the storage device 1003 is given as an example of a "recording medium" in which the control program PGg is recorded. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The "recording medium" in which the control program PGg is recorded can be a storage device located in an external device outside the gaming device 10. For example, the "recording medium" for recording the control program PGg may be a storage device located outside the game device 10, in a distribution server that distributes the control program PGg, and containing a storage device in which the control program PGg is already recorded. The processor 1001 may include, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs). By executing the control program PGg stored in the storage device 1003 and operating according to the control program PGg, the processor 1001 acts as a controller 11. Note that the processor 1001 may be composed of hardware other than or replacing one or more CPUs (such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), or field-programmable gate array (FPGA)). In this case, part or all of the controller 11 implemented by the processor 1001 may be implemented by hardware such as a DSP. Furthermore, the processor 1001 may be composed of (i) one or more CPUs and (ii) one or more hardware elements, some or all of which. For example, in the case where the processor 1001 is composed of multiple CPUs, one or more or all of the functions of the controller 11 may be achieved by having one or more of the CPUs work together according to the control program PGg. Furthermore, input device 1004 is, for example, a control button, and serves as input unit 14 for receiving operational input from user U of game device 10. Input device 1004 may include one or more devices, and may include one, some, or all of control buttons, touch panel, keyboard, joystick, and pointing device (e.g., mouse). Communication device 1005 is hardware for communicating with external devices outside game device 10 via wired or wireless network or both, and serves as communicator 15.

[0125] Figure 14 This is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the message management server 30.

[0126] like Figure 14 As shown, the message management server 30 includes a controller 31 for controlling each element of the message management server 30, a storage unit 33 for storing various types of information, and a communicator 35 for communicating with external devices outside the message management server 30.

[0127] like Figure 14 As shown, the controller 31 includes a message acquirer 311 and a message distributor 312. The message acquirer 311 acquires message information JMs from the SNS server 60. The message distributor 312 distributes the message information JMs and the evaluation quantity information JPF to the game device 10-m.

[0128] like Figure 14 As shown, storage unit 33 stores control programs PGs for controlling each element of message management server 30.

[0129] Figure 15 This is a configuration diagram showing an example hardware configuration of the message management server 30.

[0130] like Figure 15 As shown, the message management server 30 includes a processor 3001 for controlling each element of the message management server 30, a storage device 3003 for storing various types of information, and a communication device 3005 for communicating with external devices outside the message management server 30. The storage device 3003 is, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The storage device 3003 is a non-transitory storage medium, which includes, for example, one or both of volatile memory (such as RAM) serving as the working area of ​​the processor 3001 and non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM) storing various types of information (such as control programs PGs), and thus serves as storage unit 33. The processor 3001 is, for example, composed of one or more CPUs. By executing the control programs PGs stored in the storage device 3003 and operating according to the control programs PGs, the processor 3001 acts as a controller 31. Note that the processor 3001 may be composed of hardware such as a GPU, DSP, or FPGA, in addition to one or more CPUs or replacing one or more CPUs. In this case, part or all of the controller 31 implemented by the processor 3001 can be implemented by hardware such as a DSP. Additionally, the communication device 3005 is hardware used to communicate with external devices outside the message management server 30 via a wired or wireless network or both, and therefore functions as a communicator 35.

[0131] 4. Data stored in the gaming device

[0132] The following will refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 Describe the data stored in the gaming device 10.

[0133] Figure 16 This is an illustrative diagram showing a sample data configuration for the message management table TBL1.

[0134] like Figure 16 As shown, the message management table TBL1 contains one or more records in one or more message messages JMs provided from the message management server 30 to the game device 10, each corresponding to one or more message messages JMs including a football game-specific string corresponding to the football video game running on the game device 10. Hereinafter, among the multiple message messages JMs, each message message JMs including the football game-specific string corresponding to the football video game running on the game device 10 will be referred to as a "game message message".

[0135] Each record in the message management table TBL1 includes a message ID and the message information obtained. Here, the message ID is used to identify each game message in one or more game message messages provided from the message management server 30 to the game device 10.

[0136] The acquired message information includes message body information and message attachment information. The message body information indicates the message Ms contained in the game message information provided by the message management server 30 to the game device 10.

[0137] The message includes username information, message sending date and time information, specific string information, used points information (JPT), and evaluation quantity information (JPF). The username information indicates the username of the terminal device 70 that sent the game message. The message sending date and time information indicates the date and time when the game message was sent from the terminal device 70.

[0138] Additionally, the specific string information indicates a specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70. In this embodiment, the specific string information includes team-specific string information and user-specific string information. Team-specific string information indicates team-specific strings contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70. User-specific string information indicates user-specific strings contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70.

[0139] As described above, the points information JPT indicates the points Pt used by the terminal device 70 when outputting game message information from the terminal device 70. Additionally, as described above, the rating quantity information JPF indicates the positive rating quantity pf of the game message information.

[0140] Figure 17 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example data configuration for incorporating messages into information table TBL2.

[0141] like Figure 17 As shown, the message merging information table TBL2 has one or more records that correspond one-to-one with one or more game message messages provided to the game device 10 from the message management server 30. Each record in the message merging information table TBL2 contains a message ID and message merging information.

[0142] The message merging information includes message characteristic information, message priority information, and message merging completion information.

[0143] The message feature information includes the applicability information of the message recipient team, the applicability information of the message recipient users, the information on points used, and the applicability information of affirmative words.

[0144] The message object team suitability information indicates whether the game message information sent from terminal device 70 includes a team-specific string corresponding to the team to which user U of game device 10 in the football video game belongs. In this embodiment, as an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the message object team suitability information indicates "1" when the team-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 corresponds to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs, and indicates "0" when the team-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 does not correspond to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs, and also indicates "0" when the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 does not contain any team-specific string.

[0145] The message object user suitability information indicates whether the game message information sent from terminal device 70 includes a user-specific string applicable to user U of game device 10. In this embodiment, as an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the message object user suitability information indicates "1" when the user-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 corresponds to the user U of the game device 10, and indicates "0" when the user-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 does not correspond to the user U of the game device 10, and also indicates "0" when the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 does not contain any user-specific string.

[0146] The used points information indicates whether the points Pt indicated by the used points information JPT included in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 is greater than 0. In other words, the used points information indicates whether points were used in connection with the sending of the game message information from the terminal device 70. In this embodiment, as an example, the used points information indicates "1" when the game message information is sent from the terminal device 70 and points were used in connection with the sending of the game message information, and indicates "0" when the game message information is sent from the terminal device 70 but points were not used in connection with the sending of the game message information. Figure 17 As shown.

[0147] Additionally, the affirmative word applicability information indicates whether the message Ms contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 has an affirmative meaning. In this embodiment, as an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the affirmative word applicability information indicates "1" when the message Ms contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 has an affirmative meaning, and "0" when the message Ms contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 does not have an affirmative meaning.

[0148] The message priority information indicates the priority Φ for incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH. The message Ms is included in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70. In this embodiment, as an example, when the priority Φ corresponding to the game message information is high, compared to the case of low priority Φ, the game message information is preferentially incorporated into the display game video DH.

[0149] The message merging completion information indicates that the merging of message Ms contained in the game message information sent from terminal device 70 into the display game video DH has been completed, or it has been determined that message Ms will not be merged into the display game video DH, or the processing for merging message Ms into the display game video DH has not yet been completed. In this embodiment, as an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the message merging completion information is indicated as "1" when the message Ms contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 has been merged into the display game video DH, and when it has been determined that the message Ms will not be merged into the display game video DH, and as "0" when the process of merging the message Ms contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 into the display game video DH has not yet been completed.

[0150] Although not shown, the user information table TBL3 stores a football game-specific string corresponding to the football video game played by the user U of the game device 10, a team-specific string corresponding to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs in the football video game, and a user-specific string corresponding to the user U of the game device 10.

[0151] Although not shown, the game state management table TBL4 stores the states of all player characters CC-m and various objects such as the ball object OB in the football video game played by user U of game device 10.

[0152] The game status management table TBL4 also stores progress status information indicating the progress of the football video game. This progress status information includes probability information indicating the probability of influencing the final result of the football video game at various points in time as it progresses. The probability information includes one or both of time period type information and mode type information. Time period type information indicates whether the football video game is currently in a playing time period (TG1) or a paused time period (TG2). For example, the situation where the time period type information indicates the football video game is in a playing time period (TG1) is more likely to influence the final result of the football video game compared to the situation where the time period type information indicates the football video game is in a paused time period (TG2). Mode type information indicates whether the football video game is in a playing progress mode or a paused progress mode. For example, the situation where the time period type information indicates the football video game is in a playing progress mode is more likely to influence the final result of the football video game compared to the situation where the football video game is in a paused progress mode.

[0153] 5. Operation of the game device

[0154] The following will refer to Figures 18 to 23 Describe the operation of the game device 10.

[0155] 5.1 Message Acquisition and Processing

[0156] Once message information JMs is provided from message management server 30, game device 10 performs message retrieval processing, which is the process for retrieving message information JMs.

[0157] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when performing message retrieval processing.

[0158] like Figure 18As shown, when message information JMs is provided from message management server 30 to game device 10, message determiner 125 determines whether the provided message information JMs includes a football game-specific string corresponding to the football video game being executed in game device 10 (S100).

[0159] If the determination result in step S100 is negative, the message determiner 125 discards the message information JMs determined in step S100 and ends. Figure 18 The message retrieval and processing are shown below.

[0160] If the determination result in step S100 is positive, then message acquirer 124 acquires message information JMs determined in step S100 as game message information (S102).

[0161] Specifically, in step S102, the message acquirer 124 adds a record to the message management table TBL1, assigns a new message ID to the added record, and stores the message information JMs determined in step S100 in the added record. In step S102, the message acquirer 124 also adds a record to the message merging information table TBL2, and stores the same message ID as the one assigned in the message management table TBL1 for the added record. Although not shown, in response to providing evaluation quantity information JPF from the message management server 30 to the game device 10, the message acquirer 124 stores the evaluation quantity information JPF in the message management table TBL1.

[0162] like Figure 18 As shown, the message determiner 125 determines whether the game message information obtained by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 includes a team-specific string corresponding to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs (S104).

[0163] Specifically, in step S104, the message determiner 125 determines whether the string indicated by the team-specific string information stored in the message management table TBL1 by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 is the same string as the team-specific string stored in the user information table TBL3. If the determination result is positive, the message determiner 125 sets the value "1" in the message object team applicability information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the team-specific string contained in the game message information corresponds to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, the message determiner 125 sets the value "0" in the message object team applicability information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the team-specific string contained in the game message information does not correspond to the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs.

[0164] like Figure 18 As shown, the message determiner 125 determines whether the game message information obtained by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 contains a user-specific string corresponding to the user U of the game device 10 (S106).

[0165] Specifically, in step S106, the message determiner 125 determines whether the string indicated by the user-specific string information stored in the message management table TBL1 by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 is the same string as the user-specific string stored in the user information table TBL3. If the determination result is positive, the message determiner 125 sets the value "1" in the message object user applicability information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the user-specific string contained in the game message information corresponds to user U of the game device 10. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, the message determiner 125 sets the value "0" in the message object user applicability information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the user-specific string contained in the game message information does not correspond to user U of the game device 10.

[0166] like Figure 18 As shown, the message determiner 125 determines whether the used points information JPT contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 indicates a value greater than 0 (S108). Then, if the determination result is positive, the message determiner 125 sets the value "1" in the used points information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that points have been used in association with sending the game message information from the terminal device 70. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, the message determiner 125 sets the value "0" in the used points information of the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that no points have been used in association with sending the game message information from the terminal device 70.

[0167] like Figure 18 As shown, the message determiner 125 determines whether the message Ms contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 has a positive meaning (S110). Then, if the determination result is positive, the message determiner 125 sets the value "1" in the positive word applicability information in the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the message Ms contained in the game message information has a positive meaning. On the other hand, if the determination result is negative, the message determiner 125 sets the value "0" in the positive word applicability information in the message merging information table TBL2 to indicate that the message Ms contained in the game message information does not have a positive meaning.

[0168] like Figure 18As shown, the message determiner 125 determines the priority Φ based on the message object team suitability information generated in step S104, the message object user suitability information generated in step S106, the used product information generated in step S108, and the affirmative word suitability information generated in step S110, and stores the message priority information indicating the determined priority Φ in the message merging information table TBL2 (S112). Then the message acquisition process ends.

[0169] Specifically, in step S112, the message determiner 125 determines the priority Φ such that the priority Φ is greater when the message object team suitability information indication is "1" than when it is "0". Furthermore, in step S112, the message determiner 125 determines the priority Φ such that the priority Φ is greater when the message object user suitability information indication is "1" than when it is "0". Additionally, in step S112, the message determiner 125 determines the priority Φ such that the priority Φ is greater when the used points information indication is "1" than when it is "0". Finally, in step S112, the message determiner 125 determines the priority Φ such that the priority Φ is greater when the affirmative word suitability information indication is "1" than when it is "0".

[0170] 5.2. Message Analysis and Processing

[0171] In this embodiment, the game device 10 performs message analysis processing, for example, in each analysis period. This message analysis processing is used to analyze multiple game message messages obtained from the message management server 30. The analysis period (an example of a "tally period") can be, for example, the period from when the game device 10 obtains one rating quantity information JPF from the message management server 30 to when the game device 10 obtains the next rating quantity information JPF from the message management server 30, or it can be a period of predetermined length. The analysis period can, for example, be a period determined based on the current time.

[0172] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when message analysis processing is performed.

[0173] like Figure 19As shown, at the end of each analysis period, the message analyzer 126 calculates the number of one or more game message messages provided to the game device 10 from the message management server 30 during the analysis period. The message analyzer 126 then generates message settlement information indicating the total message value θs as the settlement result (S120). In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the total message value θs satisfies "0 ≤ θs".

[0174] Note that in this embodiment, the message analyzer 126 can generate message clearing information such that the total message value θs is greater when the number of game messages provided to the game device 10 during the analysis period is large than the total message value θs when the number of messages is small. Specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message clearing information indicates the number of game messages during the analysis period. However, the invention is not limited to this. The message clearing information can be, for example, the average or median value of the intervals between a series of game messages acquired by the game device 10 during the analysis period. In this case, for example, the total message value θs can be calculated as the reciprocal of the average or median value of the intervals between a series of game messages acquired by the game device 10 during the analysis period. The message clearing information can also indicate a value obtained, for example, by dividing the number of game messages during the analysis period by the length of the analysis period.

[0175] At the end of each analysis period, the message analyzer 126 counts the number of game messages with affirmative word applicability information indicating "1" among one or more game message messages provided to the game device 10 from the message management server 30 during the analysis period, and generates message content information indicating the message affirmative word value θk as the counting result (S122). In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "0≤θk".

[0176] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the message analyzer 126 can also generate message content information such that, when the number of game message messages with the corresponding affirmative word applicability information indication "1" is large (these game message messages are provided during the analysis period), the message affirmative word value θk is larger compared to when the number of such game message messages is small. Specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message content information indicates the number of game message messages with the corresponding affirmative word applicability information indication "1", and each of these game message messages is provided during the analysis period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The message content information may, for example, be the ratio of the number of game message messages with the affirmative word applicability information indication "1" provided during the analysis period to the total number of game message messages provided during the analysis period. The message content information may, for example, be the number of words with affirmative meaning contained in one or more game message messages provided to the game device 10 during the analysis period. In addition, the message content information may, for example, indicate a value obtained by dividing the number of game message messages with the corresponding affirmative word applicability information indication "1" by the length of the analysis period, each of these game message messages being provided during the analysis period.

[0177] At the end of each analysis period, the message analyzer 126 generates message evaluation information (S124) indicating the message evaluation value θh based on one or more evaluation quantity information JPF corresponding to one or more game message information provided to the game device 10 from the message management server 30 during the analysis period. As an example in this embodiment, it is assumed that the message evaluation value θh satisfies "0≤θh".

[0178] Specifically, in step S124, the message analyzer 126 can generate message evaluation information by calculating the sum of one or more values ​​of positive evaluation quantity Pf indicated by one or more evaluation quantity information JPF corresponding to one or more game message information provided to the game device 10, as a message evaluation value θh. Alternatively, in step S124, the message analyzer 126 can generate message evaluation information by calculating the ratio of the number of game message information with positive evaluation quantity Pf equal to or greater than a predetermined value to the number of game message information provided to the game device 10, as a message evaluation value θh. Alternatively, in step S124, the message analyzer 126 can generate message evaluation information by calculating the following value as the message evaluation value θh, which is obtained by dividing the sum of one or more values ​​of positive evaluation quantity Pf indicated by one or more evaluation quantity information JPF corresponding to one or more game message information provided to the game device 10 by the length of the analysis period. Note that in this embodiment, the message analyzer 126 can generate message evaluation information such that when the total value of the positive evaluation quantity Pf corresponding to the game message information provided during the analysis period is large, the message evaluation value θh is greater than the message evaluation value θh when the total value is small.

[0179] Then, message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information indicating the message analysis value θm based on the message clearing information generated in step S120, the message content information generated in step S122, and the message evaluation information generated in step S124 (S126). In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the message analysis value θm satisfies "0≤θm".

[0180] Specifically, message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information such that when the total message value θs indicated by the message clearing information is large, the message analysis value θm is greater than when the total message value θs is small. Furthermore, message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information such that when the message affirmative word value θk represented by the message content information is large, the message analysis value θm is larger compared to when the message affirmative word value θk is small. Additionally, message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information such that when the message evaluation value θh indicated by the message evaluation information is large, the message analysis value θm is larger compared to when the message evaluation value θh is small. For example, message analyzer 126 can generate the message analysis value θm by adding the total message value θs, the message affirmative word value θk, and the message evaluation value θh.

[0181] Note that in this embodiment, the analysis information Jk mentioned above includes, for example, message clearing information, message content information, message evaluation information, and message analysis information. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The analysis information Jk may include at least one of message clearing information, message content information, message evaluation information, and message analysis information.

[0182] 5.3. Message Merging Processing

[0183] In this embodiment, the game device 10 performs message incorporation processing, for example, during the game progress period TG. The message incorporation processing is the process of incorporating the message Ms into the game video DH for display.

[0184] Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when message incorporation processing is performed.

[0185] like Figure 20 As shown, in the message merging process, the message merging mode determiner 123 first determines whether the football video game is progressing in the play-in period TG1 based on the progress status information (S140). Note that the message merging mode determiner 123 can determine in step S140 whether the football video game is progressing according to the play-in progress mode.

[0186] If the determination result of step S140 is positive, that is, the football video game is progressing in the play period TG1, then the message merging mode determiner 123 determines whether there is a game message in which the message merging completion information indication is "0" (S142). Hereinafter, game message in which the message merging completion information is displayed as "0" is sometimes referred to as "unprocessed game message".

[0187] When the determination result of step S142 is negative, the message is incorporated into the mode determiner 123 to advance the process to step S150.

[0188] If the determination result of step S142 is positive, then the message merging method determiner 123 determines whether to merge the message Ms indicated by the unprocessed game message information into the display game video DH (S144). Specifically, if it is determined in step S142 that there are multiple unprocessed game message messages, then in step S144, the message merging method determiner 123 selects, starting from the higher priority Φ indicated by the message priority information corresponding to each unprocessed game message message among the multiple unprocessed game message messages, a number not exceeding the number that can be merged as the game message messages to be merged. Here, the number that can be merged refers to the number of message Ms that can be merged into the display game video DH. In step S144, the message merging method determiner 123 decides to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH. On the other hand, in step S144, the message merging method determiner 123 determines that one or more messages Ms, which are indicated by one or more unprocessed game messages (if any) that are unrelated to the game message message to be merged, will not be merged into the display game video DH.

[0189] Next, controller 11 performs message incorporation method determination processing (S146). This will be discussed later. Figure 22 The description of message merging method determines processing. Hereinafter, "message merging method determines processing" may sometimes be referred to as "message merging procedure determines processing".

[0190] Next, the message merging method determiner 123 determines the position in the display game video DH where the message Ms is to be merged, which is indicated by the game message information to be merged (S148). Specifically, the message merging method determiner 123 determines whether the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged should be displayed as an overlay display image GMx in the defined area Arm of the display game video DH, or as a virtual space display image GMY in the fence object OF of the virtual space Fd. In step S148, the message merging method determiner 123 can determine the display position of the overlay display image GMx indicating the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged in the display game video DH. Furthermore, in step S148, the message merging method determiner 123 can determine the display position of the virtual space display image GMY indicating the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged in the virtual space Fd.

[0191] Next, controller 11 performs the rendering mode determination process (S150). This will be discussed later. Figure 23 The description of the rendering mode determination process is as follows.

[0192] Next, the game progresser 121 determines whether the user U of the game device 10 has operated the input unit 14 (S152). When the determination result in step S152 is negative, the game progresser 121 advances the process to step S160.

[0193] When the determination result of step S152 is positive, the game progresser 121 receives the input to the input unit 14 implemented by the user U of the game device 10 (S154) and the process proceeds to step S160.

[0194] On the other hand, when the determination result in step S140 is negative (that is, when the football video game is progressing in the pause period TG2), the message merging mode determiner 123 determines whether there is a game message message in which the message merging completion information indication is "0" (S156).

[0195] When the determination result in step S156 is negative, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 advances the process to step S162. On the other hand, when the determination result in step S156 is positive, the controller 11 executes the message incorporation mode determination process (S158) and advances the process to step S162.

[0196] like Figure 21 As shown, the game progresser 121 shares the inputs of users U-1 to U-6 among the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 (S160).

[0197] Then, the game progression unit 121 advances the football video game (S162). Specifically, in step S162, the game progression unit 121 changes the state of player characters CC-1 to CC-6 and the ball object OB based on the input performed by users U-1 to U-6 of the game devices 10-1 to 10-6. Hereinafter, the information indicating the state of player characters CC-1 to CC-6 and the ball object OB in the virtual space Fd may sometimes be referred to as "virtual space information". In addition, in step S162, the game progression unit 121 incorporates the virtual space display image GMY into the virtual space Fd by changing the display mode (such as pattern, color, etc.) of the fence object OF, so that the virtual space display image GMY is displayed on the fence object OF. Note that the game progression unit 121 may determine the processing result based on the rendering mode in step S150, and give visual effects to the displayed game video DH in step S162.

[0198] In step S164, the video information generator 122 then generates a still image GH for display based on the virtual space information. Specifically, in step S164, the video information generator 122 generates a virtual space image obtained by capturing the virtual space Fd through a virtual camera in the virtual space Fd. Next, the video information generator 122 generates a still image GH for display in which the overlaid display image GMx is incorporated by overlaying the overlaid display image GMx onto the virtual space image. Note that the video information generator 122 may determine the processing result based on the rendering mode in step S150, and in step S164, impart auditory effects to the game video DH for display.

[0199] Next, the game progress unit 121 determines whether the football video game has ended (S166). If the determination result in step S166 is negative, the game progress unit 121 advances the process to step S140. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S166 is positive, the game progress unit 121 incorporates an end message into the process.

[0200] 5.4. Message merging method determines processing

[0201] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when it performs a message incorporation method determination process.

[0202] like Figure 22 As shown, in the message merging method determination process, the message determiner 125 determines whether the team-specific string contained in the game message information to be merged indicates the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs (S170). Specifically, in step S170, the message determiner 125 determines whether the message target team suitability information stored in the message merging information table TBL2 indicates that the team-specific string contained in the game message information to be merged is the team to which the user U of the game device 10 belongs. The message determiner 125 can replace the processing of step S170 with the processing of step S104.

[0203] When the determination result of step S170 is negative, the message merging method determiner 123 decides that the game message information to be merged will not be merged into the display game video DH (S172) based on the determination made in step S170, and ends the message merging method determination process.

[0204] When the determination result of step S170 is positive, message determiner 125 determines whether the user-specific string contained in the game message information to be merged indicates user U of game device 10 (S174). Specifically, in step S174, message determiner 125 determines whether the message object user suitability information stored in message merging information table TBL2 indicates that the user-specific string contained in the game message information to be merged is user U of game device 10. Message determiner 125 can replace the processing of step S174 with the processing of step S106.

[0205] If the determination result in step S174 is positive, then the message incorporation method determiner 123 determines to incorporate the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be incorporated as the shading display image GMxC into the display game video DH (S176).

[0206] When the determination result in step S174 is negative, the message merging method determiner 123 determines to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH as a non-colored display image GMxB (S178).

[0207] If the terminal device 70 has already sent the game message information to be merged, the message determiner 125 determines whether points have been used in connection with the game message information sent from the terminal device 70 (S180). Specifically, in step S180, the message determiner 125 determines whether the used points information stored in the message merging information table TBL2 indicates that the used points information JPT contained in the game message information to be merged represents a value greater than "0". The message determiner 125 can replace the processing of step S180 with the processing of step S108.

[0208] If the determination result in step S180 is positive, then the message merging method determiner 123 determines to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH as a large display image GMxL (S182).

[0209] When the determination result in step S180 is negative, the message merging method determiner 123 determines to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH as a small display image GMxS (S184).

[0210] Furthermore, message determiner 125 determines whether the game message information to be merged has a positive meaning (S186). Specifically, in step S186, message determiner 125 determines whether the positive word applicability information stored in message merging information table TBL2 indicates that the message Ms contained in the game message information to be merged has a positive meaning. Message determiner 125 can replace the processing of step S186 with the processing of step S110.

[0211] When the determination result in step S186 is positive, the message merging method determiner 123 determines to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH as an audio display image GMxP (S188), and ends the message merging method determination process.

[0212] When the determination result in step S186 is negative, the message merging method determiner 123 determines to merge the message Ms indicated by the game message information to be merged into the display game video DH as an audio-free display image GMxN (S190), and ends the message merging method determination process.

[0213] 5.5. Rendering Mode Determination Process

[0214] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the game device 10 when it performs a rendering mode determination process.

[0215] like Figure 23 As shown, in the rendering mode determination process, the message merging method determiner 123 determines whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "0≤θm<θm1" (S200), where the value θm1 is a real number that satisfies "0<θm1". Note that the message merging method determiner 123 can determine in step S200 whether the total message value θs satisfies "0≤θs<θs1", where the value θs1 is a real number that satisfies "0<θs1".

[0216] Furthermore, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can also determine in step S200 whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "0≤θk<θk1", where the value θk1 is a real number that satisfies "0<θk1". The message incorporation method determiner 123 can also determine in step S200 whether the message evaluation value θh satisfies "0≤θh<θh1", where the value θh1 is a real number that satisfies "0<θh1".

[0217] When the determination result in step S200 is negative, the message is incorporated into the mode determiner 123 to advance the process to step S206.

[0218] When the determination result in step S200 is positive, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to a reference number α1 (S202), where the value α1 is a natural number satisfying "0 < α1". In this embodiment, making the viewer characters CK appear in the virtual space Fd displayed in the display game video DH and increasing or decreasing the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd is an example of "giving visual effects to the display game video DH".

[0219] Then, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 sets the cheering volume of the viewer character CK in the virtual space Fd to a reference volume β1 (S204), and proceeds the process to step S206, where volume β1 is a real number satisfying "0 < β1". In this embodiment, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 may set the cheering content of the viewer character CK as a first audio content item in step S204. Here, "cheering content of the viewer character CK" may be a concept that includes one, a part, or all of the pitch of the sound or speech representing the cheering of the viewer character CK, the content of the words indicated by the speech representing the cheering of the viewer character CK, and the pitch level of the sound or speech representing the cheering of the viewer character CK. Note that in this embodiment, playing the sound or speech indicating the cheering of the viewer character CK in the display game video DH, and increasing or decreasing the volume of the cheering of the viewer character CK, is an example of "giving an auditory effect to the display game video DH".

[0220] Next, the message incorporation method determiner 123 determines whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm1≤θm<θm2" (S206), where θm2 is a real number that satisfies "θm1<θm2".

[0221] Note that the message incorporation method determiner 123 can also determine in step S206 whether the total message value θs satisfies "θs1≤θs<θs2", where θs2 is a real number that satisfies "θs1<θs2".

[0222] Furthermore, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can also determine in step S206 whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk1≤θk<θk2", where the value θk2 is a real number that satisfies "θk1<θk2". Additionally, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can also determine in step S206 whether the message evaluation value θh satisfies "θh1≤θh<θh2", where the value θh2 is a real number that satisfies "θh1<θh2".

[0223] When the determination result in step S206 is negative, the message is incorporated into the mode determiner 123 to advance the processing to step S212.

[0224] When the determination result in step S206 is positive, the message incorporation method determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to α2 (S208), where the value α2 is a natural number satisfying "α1 < α2". Then, the message incorporation method determiner 123 sets the cheering volume of the viewer character CK in the virtual space Fd to volume β2 (S210), and the process proceeds to step S212, where volume β2 is a real number satisfying "β1 < β2". Note that in this embodiment, the message incorporation method determiner 123 may set the cheering content of the viewer character CK as a second audio content item in step S210. Here, compared with the first audio content item, the second audio content item may be a cheering content with a higher probability of recognizing the cheering of the viewer character CK.

[0225] Next, the message merging method determiner 123 determines whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm2≤θm" (S212). Note that the message merging method determiner 123 can determine in step S212 whether the total message value θs satisfies "θs2≤θs". The message merging method determiner 123 can also determine in step S212 whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk2≤θk". Furthermore, the message merging method determiner 123 can determine in step S212 whether the message evaluation value θh satisfies "θh2≤θh".

[0226] When the determination result in step S212 is negative, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 ends the rendering mode determination process.

[0227] When the determination result in step S212 is positive, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to α3 (S214), where the value α3 is a natural number satisfying "α2 < α3". Then, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 sets the volume of the cheers of the viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to volume β3 (S216) to end the rendering mode determination process, where volume β3 is a real number satisfying "β2 < β3". In this embodiment, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 may set the cheers content of the viewer characters CK to third audio content in step S216. Here, the third audio content may be cheers content that increases the probability of recognizing the cheers of the viewer characters CK compared to the second audio content.

[0228] 6. Summary of Implementation Methods

[0229] As described above, in this embodiment, the controller 11 incorporates the message Ms contained in the message information JMs into the display game video DH. Then, in this embodiment, the video editing device 40 generates a distribution game video DD based on the display game video DH with the message Ms incorporated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to the form where the message Ms is not incorporated into the display game video DH, the user U of the game device 10 and the user of the terminal device 70 can easily grasp the level of excitement of the football video game.

[0230] In this embodiment, the message determiner 125 determines whether the message information JMs includes a football game-specific string, and the message incorporator 120 incorporates the message Ms contained in the message information JMs into the display game video DH based on the determination result. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent message Ms unrelated to the football video game being played on the game device 10 from being incorporated into the display game video DH of the football video game being played on the game device 10. As a result, compared to the form in which message Ms unrelated to the football video game being played on the game device 10 are incorporated into the display game video DH of the football video game being played on the game device 10, the user U of the game device 10 and the user of the terminal device 70 can accurately grasp the level of excitement of the football video game.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game controller 111 incorporates the message Ms contained in the message information JMs into the display game video DH based on the progress status information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to, for example, incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH without considering the progress status information, the probability of hindering the user U of the game device 10 from operating the game device 10 when operation of the game device is required based on the progress of the football video game can be reduced. Additionally, according to this embodiment, compared to incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH without considering the progress status information, the probability of hindering the user of the terminal device 70 from watching the distribution game video DD can be reduced. In other words, according to this embodiment, compared to incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH without considering the progress status information, the adverse effects on the user U of the game device 10 and the user of the terminal device 70 caused by incorporating the message Ms into the display game video DH can be reduced.

[0232] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game controller 111 provides visual and auditory effects to the displayed game video DH based on the analysis information Jk obtained by analyzing multiple message information JMs provided to the game device 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a form where no visual or auditory effects are provided to the displayed game video DH, the user U of the game device 10 and the user of the terminal device 70 can easily grasp the level of excitement in the football video game.

[0233] Note that in this embodiment, the display game video information JDH generated in the game device 10 is an example of "video information," the distribution game video DD is an example of "distribution video," and the message acquirer 124 is an example of "acquirer." In this embodiment, the game progress period TG is an example of "progress period," the playing period TG1 is an example of "first progress period," the paused period TG2 is an example of "second progress period," the playing progress mode is an example of "first progress mode," and the paused progress mode is an example of "second progress mode." Furthermore, the possibility of affecting the final result of a football video game is an example of "the probability of changing the final result of the video game at a certain level or higher." Additionally, in this embodiment, the game progress device 121 is an example of "progress device," and the video information generator 122 is an example of "generator."

[0234] B. Variant Example

[0235] Various variations can be made to each of the above forms. Specific examples of variations are illustrated below. Two or more aspects freely chosen from the following examples can be appropriately combined to the extent that they do not conflict with each other. For elements in the variations shown below whose actions and functions are the same as in the embodiments, detailed descriptions of each element are appropriately omitted by using the same reference numerals as used in the above description.

[0236] Variant Example 1

[0237] In the above embodiment, the game device 10 determines whether to incorporate the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs into the display game video DH, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the message management server 30 may determine whether to incorporate the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs into the display game video DH.

[0238] The following will refer to Figures 24 to 34 This describes the video distribution system Sys-A according to this variant.

[0239] Video distribution system configuration

[0240] Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the overview of the Sys-A video distribution system according to this variant.

[0241] like Figure 24As shown, the video distribution system Sys-A differs from the video distribution system Sys according to the embodiment in that it provides a game system SysG-A instead of the game system SysG. The game system SysG-A differs from the game system SysG according to the embodiment in that it provides game devices 10A-1 to 10A-M instead of game devices 10-1 to 10-M, and provides a message management server 30A instead of a message management server 30.

[0242] Message management server configuration

[0243] Figure 25 This is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the message management server 30A according to this variant.

[0244] like Figure 25 As shown, the message management server 30A differs from the message management server 30 according to the embodiment in that it provides a controller 31A instead of a controller 31, and provides a storage unit 33A instead of a storage unit 33.

[0245] like Figure 25 As shown, controller 31A includes message processor 310, game device selector 313, message merging instruction generator 314, and game device manager 315. Message processor 310 is equipped with the aforementioned message merging method determiner 123, message acquirer 124, message determiner 125, and message analyzer 126. Game device selector 313 selects game device 10A from game devices 10A-1 to 10A-M to merge the message Ms indicated by message information JMs. Message merging instruction generator 314 generates message merging instruction information JS (an example of "instruction information"), which instructs game device 10A to merge the message Ms indicated by message information JMs. Game device manager 315 manages game devices 10A corresponding to users U participating in the football video game experience.

[0246] like Figure 25 As shown, storage unit 33A already stores, in addition to the aforementioned message management table TBL11, device management table TBL12, team management table TBL13, message merging information table TBL13, and control program PGs2 for controlling each element of message management server 30A. Note that in this variant, the aforementioned storage device 3003 is used as storage unit 33A. Furthermore, in this variant, the aforementioned processor 3001 executes the control program PGs2 stored in storage device 3003 and operates according to the control program PGs2, thereby acting as controller 31A.

[0247] Game device configuration

[0248] Figure 26 This is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the gaming device 10A according to this variant.

[0249] like Figure 26 As shown, the game device 10A differs from the game device 10 according to the embodiment in that it provides a controller 11A instead of a controller 11, and a storage unit 13A instead of a storage unit 13.

[0250] like Figure 26 As shown, the controller 11A differs from the controller 11 according to the embodiment in that: a game controller 111A is provided instead of the game controller 111, and a message acquirer 124 is not provided. The game controller 111A differs from the game controller 111 according to the embodiment in that: a message incorporation method determiner 123 is not provided, a message determiner 125 is not provided, and a message analyzer 126 is not provided.

[0251] like Figure 26 As shown, the storage unit 13A already stores the game state management table TBL4 and the control program PGg2 for controlling each element of the game device 10A. Note that in this variant, the aforementioned storage device 1003 is used as the storage unit 13A. Furthermore, in this variant, the aforementioned processor 1001 executes the control program PGg2 stored in the storage device 1003 and operates according to the control program PGg2, thereby serving as the storage unit 13A.

[0252] Data stored in the message management server

[0253] Figure 27 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the device management table TBL11.

[0254] like Figure 27 As shown, the device management table TBL11 has multiple records corresponding one-to-one with multiple game devices 10A of multiple users U participating in the football video game experience among game devices 10A-1 to 10A-M. Each record in the user management table TBL11 stores device management information. Here, the device management information includes terminal ID, user ID, member team information, and user corresponding string information.

[0255] The terminal ID is information used to identify each of the multiple gaming devices 10A corresponding to the multiple users U participating in the football video game experience. The user ID is information used to identify each user U among the multiple users U participating in the football video game. The team member information indicates the team ID of the team to which the user U participating in the football video game experience belongs. Here, the team ID is information used to identify each of the multiple teams participating in the football video game experience. Additionally, the user-specific string information indicates a user-specific string corresponding to each user U.

[0256] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating the sample data configuration of the team management table TBL12.

[0257] like Figure 28 As shown, the team management table TBL12 contains multiple records, each corresponding to a team participating in the football video game experience. Each record in the team management table TBL12 stores team management information, which includes a team ID and a corresponding team string. The team string indicates a team-specific string associated with each team.

[0258] Figure 29 This is an illustrative diagram showing an example data configuration for incorporating messages into information table TBL13.

[0259] like Figure 29 As shown, the message merging information table TBL13 has one or more records that correspond one-to-one with one or more game message messages obtained by the message management server 30A from the SNS server 60. Each record in the message merging information table TBL13 includes a message ID and message merging information, which includes message characteristic information, message priority information, and message merging completion information.

[0260] The message merging information according to this variant differs from the message merging information according to the implementation method in that: the message feature information includes message-corresponding team information, which replaces message object team suitability information, and message-corresponding user information, which replaces message object user suitability information. Here, the message-corresponding team information indicates the team ID of the team corresponding to the team-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70. The message-corresponding user information indicates the user ID of user U, which corresponds to the user-specific string contained in the game message information sent from the terminal device 70.

[0261] Operation of message management server

[0262] The following will refer to Figures 30 to 34 Describe the operation of message management server 30A.

[0263] Match Information Generation and Processing

[0264] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when it performs match information generation processing. In this variant, the message management server 30A performs match information generation processing when the football video game experience begins.

[0265] like Figure 30 As shown, in the match information generation process, the game device manager 315 first generates team management information for all teams participating in the football video game experience and stores the generated team management information in the team management table TBL12 (S300). In the match information generation process, the game device manager 315 generates device management information for multiple game devices 10A corresponding to all users U participating in the football video game experience, stores the generated device management information in the device management table TBL11 (S302), and ends the match information generation process.

[0266] Message retrieval and processing

[0267] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when performing message retrieval processing.

[0268] In this variant, the message management server 30A performs message retrieval processing when message information JMs is provided from the terminal device 70 to the SNS server 60. Note that the message retrieval processing in this variant is different from... Figure 18 The message acquisition process shown according to the embodiment differs in that steps S310 and S312 are performed instead of steps S104 and S106. In the following description, processes identical to those described in the embodiment will be appropriately omitted by using the reference numerals used in the embodiment.

[0269] like Figure 31 As shown, the message determiner 125 performs the processing of step S100 described above. In this variant, when message information JMs is provided from the terminal device 70 to the SNS server 60, the message determiner 125 performs the processing of step S100. The message acquirer 124 also performs the processing of step S102 described above. In this variant, in step S102, the message acquirer 124 adds a record to the message merging information table TBL13 and stores a message ID that is the same as the message ID assigned in the message management table TBL1 for the added record.

[0270] Then, the message determiner 125 identifies the team corresponding to the team-specific string contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 (S310). Specifically, in step S310, the message determiner 125 identifies the team ID corresponding to the team-specific string contained in the game message information by referring to the team management table TBL12, and sets the team ID as the message corresponding team information in the message merging information table TBL13.

[0271] The message determiner 125 also identifies the user U corresponding to the user-specific string contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 (S312). Specifically, in step S312, the message determiner 125 identifies the user ID corresponding to the user-specific string contained in the game message information by referring to the device management table TBL11, and sets the user ID as the message corresponding user information in the message merging information table TBL13.

[0272] Then, the message determiner 125 performs the processing steps S108 to S112 to end the message acquisition process.

[0273] Message Analysis and Processing

[0274] Furthermore, in this variant, the message management server 30A performs message analysis processing for each analysis period. This message analysis processing is used to analyze multiple game message messages obtained from the SNS server 60. Note that the message analysis processing in this variant is different from that based on... Figure 19 The message analysis and processing of the embodiments shown are the same, so their description is omitted.

[0275] Message integration instruction information generation and processing

[0276] Figure 32 and Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when it performs message incorporation instruction information generation processing.

[0277] In this variant, the message management server 30A performs message merging instruction generation processing during the game progress period TG. Note that the message merging instruction generation processing in this variant is different from... Figure 20 and Figure 21 The difference in the message incorporation process shown according to the embodiment is that steps S340 to S352 are performed, but steps S152, S154 and S160 to S164 are not performed.

[0278] like Figure 32As shown, in the message merging instruction information generation process according to this variant, the message merging method determiner 123 performs the processes described in steps S140 and S142. When the determination result in step S142 is positive, the game device selector 313 selects the team corresponding to the team-specific string indicated by the unprocessed game message information by referring to the team management table TBL12 (S340). In the following text, the game device 10A corresponding to the user U belonging to the team corresponding to the team-specific string indicated by the unprocessed game message information will be referred to as the selected target game device. Next, the controller 31A performs the processes described in steps S144 to S148 for each selected target game device. Then, the game device selector 313 determines whether the processes of steps S144 to S148 have been performed for all selected target game devices (S342). When the determination result in step S342 is negative, the game device selector 313 advances the process to step S144. If the determination result in step S342 is positive, the controller 31A performs the processing of step S150 above on all selected target game devices. Then, the game device selector 313 determines whether the processing of step S150 has been performed on all selected target game devices (S344). If the determination result in step S344 is negative, the game device selector 313 advances the processing to step S150.

[0279] like Figure 33 As shown, when the determination result in step S140 is negative, the message merging method determiner 123 performs the processing of step S156 described above. When the determination result in step S156 is positive, the game device selector 313 selects the team corresponding to the team-specific string indicated by the unprocessed game message information by referring to the team management table TBL12 (S346). Next, the controller 31A performs the processing of step S158 described above for all selected target game devices. Then, the game device selector 313 determines whether the processing of step S158 has been performed for all selected target game devices (S348). When the determination result in step S348 is negative, the game device selector 313 advances the processing to step S158.

[0280] When the determination result in step S344 is positive and when the determination result in step S348 is positive, the message incorporation instruction generator 314 generates message incorporation instruction information JS and rendering mode instruction information JJ related to each of the selected object game devices (S350).

[0281] Here, the message incorporation indication information JS includes shading / non-shading indication information JS1, display size indication information JS2, and audio presence / absence indication information JS3. Specifically, shading / non-shading indication information JS1 indicates whether the game device 10A incorporates the message Ms indicated by message information JMs as a shading display image GMxC or a non-shading display image GMxB into the display game video DH. Display size indication information JS2 indicates whether the game device 10A incorporates the message Ms indicated by message information JMs as a large display image GMxL or a small display image GMxS into the display game video DH. Audio presence / absence indication information JS3 indicates whether the game device 10A incorporates the message Ms indicated by message information JMs as an audio-enabled display image GMxP or an audio-free display image GMxN into the display game video DH.

[0282] Furthermore, the rendering mode indication information JJ includes viewer character quantity indication information JJ1 and cheer volume indication information JJ2. Viewer character quantity indication information JJ1 is used to indicate to the game device 10A the number of viewer characters CK appearing in the virtual space Fd displayed in the game video DH. Furthermore, cheer volume indication information JJ2 is used to indicate to the game device 10A the cheer volume of the viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd displayed in the game video DH.

[0283] Next, the message incorporation instruction generator 314 provides the message incorporation instruction information JS and rendering mode instruction information JJ generated in step S350 to each selected object game device (S352). Based on the message incorporation instruction information JS, the selected object game device incorporates the message display image GM-m into the display game video DH. The message display image GM-m is used to present the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs. In addition, based on the rendering mode instruction information JJ, the selected object game device makes the viewer character CK appear in the virtual space Fd and incorporates the cheers of the viewer character CK into the display game video DH.

[0284] Then, controller 31A determines whether the football video game has ended (S166), and if the determination result is negative, the process proceeds to step S140, and if the determination result is positive, it ends. Figure 32 and Figure 33 The message shown is incorporated into the instruction information generation process.

[0285] The message merging method determines the processing.

[0286] In this variant, the message management server 30A performs message merging method determination processing during the message merging instruction information generation process.

[0287] Figure 34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the message management server 30A when it performs a message incorporation method determination process. For example... Figure 34 As shown, the message merging method in this variant example determines the processing and... Figure 22 The difference in the message incorporation method shown in the embodiment is that steps S170 and S172 are not included.

[0288] Rendering mode determination processing

[0289] Furthermore, in this variant, the message management server 30A performs rendering mode determination processing during the message merging instruction information generation process. Note that the rendering mode determination processing in this variant is related to... Figure 23 The rendering mode determination process shown in the embodiment is the same, so its description is omitted.

[0290] Summary of Variation Example 1

[0291] As described above, according to this variant, the message incorporation instruction generator 314 provides message incorporation instruction information JS to the selected target game device. Therefore, according to this variant, the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs can be incorporated into the display game video DH of the football video game currently running on the selected target game device. As a result, according to this variant, compared to a form where the message Ms is not incorporated into the display game video DH of the football video game currently running on the selected target game device, the user U of the game device 10A and the user of the terminal device 70 can easily grasp the level of excitement of the football video game currently running on the selected target game device.

[0292] Furthermore, according to this variant, it is possible to prevent messages Ms unrelated to the selected target gaming device from being incorporated into the display video DH of the football video game being executed on the selected target gaming device. Therefore, according to this variant, compared to the form in which messages Ms unrelated to the selected target gaming device are incorporated into the display video DH of the football video game being executed on the selected target gaming device, the user U of the gaming device 10A and the user of the terminal device 70 can accurately grasp the level of stimulation of the football video game being executed on the selected target gaming device.

[0293] Variation Example 2

[0294] In the above embodiments and variant 1, the game system SysG and the game system SysG-A include a video editing device 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The game system SysG and the game system SysG-A do not need to be equipped with a video editing device 40. For example, if the game system SysG does not have a video editing device 40, the game device 10 can generate distribution game video information JDD based on the display game video information JDH generated by the game device 10, and provide the generated distribution game video information JDD to the video distribution server 50. Furthermore, for example, if the game system SysG does not have a video editing device 40, the game device 10 can provide the display game video information JDH generated by the game device 10 to the video distribution server 50 as distribution game video information JDD.

[0295] Variation Example 3

[0296] In the above embodiments and variations 1 and 2, the terminal device 70 sends message information JMs to the SNS server 60, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal device 70 may send message information JMs to the game system SysG (or game system SysG-A). Specifically, the terminal device 70 may send message information JMs to the message management server 30 (or message management server 30A) or to the game device 10 (or to game device 10A). Furthermore, for example, the terminal device 70 may send message information JMs to the video distribution server 50. In this case, the video distribution server 50 may send message information JMs provided by the terminal device 70 to the game system SysG (or to the game system SysG-A).

[0297] Figure 35 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the overview of the Sys-B video distribution system according to this variant.

[0298] like Figure 35 As shown, the video distribution system Sys-B and Figure 1 The video distribution system Sys shown according to the embodiment differs in that: a game system SysG-B is provided instead of a game system SysG, a video distribution server 50B is provided instead of a video distribution server 50, and an SNS server 60 is not provided. The game system SysG-B differs from the game system SysG according to the embodiment in that it lacks a message management server 30.

[0299] Figure 36 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the Sys-B video distribution system according to this variant.

[0300] like Figure 36As shown, the video distribution system Sys-B and the video distribution system Sys (see...) Figure 2 Similarly, the above steps S10 to S14 are performed. When the video editing device 40 provides the distribution game video information JDD indicating the distribution game video DD, the video distribution server 50B provides the distribution game video information JDD to the terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N in the same manner as in step S16 (S30).

[0301] Then, terminal device 70-n sends message information JMs containing message Ms to video distribution server 50B (S32). In this variant, video distribution server 50B identifies that the message Ms contained in message information JMs sent from terminal device 70-n is either related to the distribution game video DD indicated by distribution game video information JDD provided by video distribution server 50B, or related to the football video game being executed in game device 10-m. Therefore, in this variant, even if the user of terminal device 70-n publishes a message Ms related to the football video game to video distribution server 50B, the user does not need to add a football game-specific string to the message Ms.

[0302] Then, when message information JMs is provided from terminal device 70-n, video distribution server 50B provides message list image information JGC (S34) indicating message list image GC to terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N. Message list image GC is an image displaying the same content as the SNS site GS. However, the message Ms displayed on the SNS site GS includes message Ms unrelated to the football video game, while message list image GC only shows message Ms related to the football video game.

[0303] Note that when the game video information JDD and message list image information JGC for distribution are provided from the video distribution server 50B, the terminal device 70-n causes the display 71-n to display the video distribution screen DY.

[0304] Figure 37 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate an example overview of the video distribution screen DY.

[0305] like Figure 37 As shown, the video distribution screen DY includes a distribution game video DD indicated by distribution game video information JDD and a message list image GC indicated by message list image information JGC. However, this variant is not limited to this. In this variant, it is only required that the video distribution screen DY includes at least the distribution game video DD, and the video distribution screen DY does not necessarily have to include the message list image GC.

[0306] like Figure 36As shown, the video distribution server 50B provides message information JMs provided from the terminal device 70-n to the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 (S36). The video distribution server 50B can provide message information JMs to the game devices 10-1 to 10-6 via the video editing device 40. Then, the game device 10-m performs the processing of step S24 described above in a manner substantially the same as that of the video distribution system Sys.

[0307] Furthermore, in this variant, the game device 10-m can perform message acquisition processing, message analysis processing, message merging processing, message merging method determination processing, and rendering mode determination processing in a manner substantially similar to the above-described embodiment. However, in this variant, as described above, the message Ms included in the message information JMs sent from the terminal device 70-n is either a message Ms related to the distribution game video DD indicated by the distribution game video information JDD, or a message Ms related to the football video game being executed in the game device 10-m. Therefore, the message acquisition processing according to this variant and Figure 18 The difference in the message acquisition process shown according to the embodiment is that the game device 10-m according to this variant does not perform step S100 of the message acquisition process.

[0308] Variation Example 4

[0309] In the above-described embodiments and variations 1 to 3, the message merging method determiner 123 determines the merging method of message Ms without considering time period type information or mode type information; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The message merging method determiner 123 can determine the merging method of message Ms based on time period type information or mode type information. For example, regardless of the message target user suitability information, used points information, and affirmative word suitability information corresponding to message Ms, if the time period type information indicates a playing time period TG1, the message merging method determiner 123 can merge message Ms as a non-colored display image GMxB into the display game video DH. On the other hand, if the time period type information indicates a non-playing time period TG2, the message merging method determiner 123 can merge message Ms into the display game video DH in the form of a display mode corresponding to the message target user suitability information, used points information, and affirmative word suitability information corresponding to message Ms. Furthermore, for example, if the time period type information indicates a play period TG1, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can incorporate the message Ms into the display game video DH as audio, instead of incorporating the message Ms as a message display image GM-m. On the other hand, if the time period type information indicates a stop-play period TG2, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can incorporate the message Ms into the display game video DH as a message display image GM-m.

[0310] Variant Example 5

[0311] In the above embodiments and variations 1 to 4, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 may incorporate the message Ms into the display game video DH during the play period TG1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 may disallow the incorporation of the message Ms into the display game video DH during the play period TG1. Alternatively, for example, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 may disallow the incorporation of the message Ms as an overlay display image GMx-m during the play period TG1, but may allow the incorporation of the message Ms only as a display image GMy-m in the virtual space.

[0312] Variation Example 6

[0313] In the above-described embodiments and variations 1 to 5, when the message determiner 125 determines that the team-specific string contained in the message information JMs indicates the team to which the user U of the game device 10 (or game device 10A) belongs, the message merging method determiner 123 decides to merge the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs into the display game video DH. Furthermore, when the message determiner 125 determines that the team-specific string contained in the message information JMs does not indicate the team to which the user U of the game device 10 (or game device 10A) belongs, the message merging method determiner 123 decides not to merge the message Ms indicated by the message information JMs into the display game video DH. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if message determiner 125 determines that the user-specific string contained in message information JMs indicates user U of game device 10 (or game device 10A), then message incorporation method determiner 123 can decide to incorporate the message Ms indicated by message information JMs into the display game video DH. Conversely, if message determiner 125 determines that the user-specific string contained in message information JMs does not indicate user U of game device 10 (or game device 10A), then message incorporation method determiner 123 can decide not to incorporate the message Ms indicated by message information JMs into the display game video DH. In other words, message determiner 125 can decide whether to incorporate the message Ms contained in message information JMs into the display game video DH for each game device 10 (or game device 10A).

[0314] Variation Example 7

[0315] In the above-described embodiments and variations 1 to 6, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can change the incorporable quantity based on the analysis information Jk, which is the number of messages Ms in the display game video DH that can be incorporated. For example, if the message analysis value θm indicated by the analysis information Jk is large, the message incorporation method determiner 123 can increase the incorporable quantity compared to when the message analysis value θm is small. Note that the message incorporation method determiner 123 can expand the area of ​​the defined region Arm in response to the increase in the incorporable quantity.

[0316] Variation Example 8

[0317] In the above-described embodiments and variations 1 to 7, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 can change the average display duration of the message display image GM-m in the display game video DH based on the analysis information Jk. For example, when the message analysis value θm indicated by the analysis information Jk is large, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 can shorten the average display duration of the message display image GM-m in the display game video DH compared to when the message analysis value θm is small. Furthermore, when the priority Φ indicated by the message priority information corresponding to the message information JMs is high, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 can extend the display duration of the message display image GM-m corresponding to the message information JMs compared to when the priority Φ is low.

[0318] Variant Example 9

[0319] In the above-described embodiments and variations 1 to 8, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 can change the size, color, movement, etc. of the viewer character CK based on the analysis information Jk. For example, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 can determine the size, color, movement, etc. of each viewer character CK, such that when the message analysis value θm indicated by the analysis information Jk is large, the probability of identifying each viewer character CK is higher than when the message analysis value θm is small.

[0320] Variation Example 10

[0321] In the above embodiments and variations 1 to 9, the message analyzer 126 can generate analysis information Jk based on the content of the message Ms contained in the game message information. Specifically, the message analyzer 126 can generate analysis information Jk such that it includes message content information indicating the message affirmative word value θk determined based on the content of the message Ms contained in the game message information.

[0322] In this variant, the message determiner 125 determines, for example, whether the message Ms contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 has a positive meaning in step S110 of the message acquisition process, and also determines whether the message Ms contained in the game message information acquired by the message acquirer 124 in step S102 has a negative meaning.

[0323] Additionally, in this variant, for example, in step S122, the message analyzer 126 sorts out game message information containing messages Ms with positive meaning and game message information containing messages Ms with negative meaning among one or more game message information provided to the game device 10 (or message management server 30A) during the analysis period, and generates message content information indicating the message positive word value θk indicating the sorting result. Specifically, in step S122, for example, if the number of game message information containing messages Ms with positive meaning among one or more game message information provided to the game device 10 (or message management server 30A) during the analysis period is greater than or equal to the number of game message information containing messages Ms with negative meaning, then the message analyzer 126 generates message content information indicating the message positive word value θk that satisfies "θk>0", as in the above embodiment. Conversely, if, during the analysis period, the number of game messages containing a negative message Ms is greater than the number of game messages containing a positive message Ms among one or more game messages provided to the game device 10 (or message management server 30A), then the message analyzer 126 generates message content information indicating a message affirmative word value θk that satisfies "θk < 0". More specifically, in step S122, for example, if, during the analysis period, the number of game messages containing a negative message Ms is greater than the number of game messages containing a positive message Ms among one or more game messages provided to the game device 10 (or message management server 30A), then the message analyzer 126 can generate message content information such that when the value obtained by subtracting the number of game messages containing a positive message Ms from the number of game messages containing a negative message Ms is large, the message affirmative word value θk is small.

[0324] Furthermore, in this variant, for example, the message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information in step S126 of the message analysis processing, such that when the message affirmative word value θk indicated by the message content information is large, the message analysis value θm is larger compared to when the message affirmative word value θk is small. Specifically, in step S126, the message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information indicating that the message analysis value θm satisfies "θk>0" when the message affirmative word value θk indicated by the message content information satisfies "θk>0". On the other hand, the message analyzer 126 generates message analysis information indicating that the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm<0" when the message affirmative word value θk indicated by the message content information satisfies "θk<0". Note that in this variant, the message analyzer 126 can generate message analysis information in step S126 of the message analysis processing, such that when the number of game message messages provided to the game device 10 (or message management server 30A) during the analysis period is large, the absolute value of the message analysis value θm is larger compared to when the number of game message messages is small.

[0325] Furthermore, in this variant example, the message incorporation mode determiner 123 performs one, some, or all of the following processes in addition to the processes described in steps S200 to S216 above during the rendering mode determination process: a process for determining whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm4 ≤ θm < 0"; a process for determining whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm5 ≤ θm < θm4"; and a process for determining whether the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm < θm5". Here, the value θm4 is a real number that satisfies "θm4 < 0", and the value θm5 is a real number that satisfies "θm5 < θm4". In this variant, the message incorporation mode determiner 123, in addition to the processes described in steps S200 to S216 above, may perform one, some, or all of the following processes in the rendering mode determination process: a process for determining whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk4 ≤ θk < 0"; a process for determining whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk5 ≤ θk < θk4"; and a process for determining whether the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk < θk5". Here, the value θk4 is a real number that satisfies "θk4 < 0", and the value θk5 is a real number that satisfies "θk5 < θk4".

[0326] Then, in this variant, during the rendering mode determination process, if, for example, the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm4≤θm<0" or the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk4≤θk<0", the message incorporation mode determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to a reference number α4, sets the jeer volume of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to a reference volume β4, and sets the jeer content of viewer characters CK to a fourth audio content item. Here, the value α4 is a natural number satisfying "0<α4", and the volume β4 is a real number satisfying "0<β4". "Jerk content of viewer characters CK" can encompass one, some, or all of the following concepts: the pitch of the sound or speech representing the jeer of viewer characters CK; the content of the words indicated by the speech representing the jeer of viewer characters CK; and the pitch level of the sound or speech representing the jeer of viewer characters CK.

[0327] Furthermore, in this variant, during the rendering mode determination process, if, for example, the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm5≤θm<θm4" or the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk5≤θk<θk4", the message incorporation method determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to α5, sets the volume of the viewer characters CK's jeering in the virtual space Fd to volume β5, and sets the content of the viewer characters CK's jeering to the fifth audio content item. Here, the value α5 is a natural number satisfying "α4<α5", and the volume β5 is a real number satisfying "β4<β5". The fifth audio content item can be jeering content that makes it more likely to identify the viewer characters CK's jeering compared to the fourth audio content item.

[0328] Furthermore, in this variant, during the rendering mode determination process, if, for example, the message analysis value θm satisfies "θm < θm5" or the message affirmative word value θk satisfies "θk < θk5", the message incorporation method determiner 123 sets the number of viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to α6, sets the volume of the heckling by viewer characters CK in the virtual space Fd to volume β6, and sets the content of the heckling by viewer characters CK as the sixth audio content item. Here, the value α6 is a natural number that satisfies "α5 < α6", and the volume β6 is a real number that satisfies "β5 < β6". The sixth audio content item can be the heckling content that makes it more likely that the heckling by viewer characters CK will be perceived compared to the fifth audio content item.

[0329] As described above, according to this variant, the game device 10 (or game device 10A) can incorporate the rendering of whether the number of game message information indicating a positive content message Ms is large or small, and the rendering of whether the number of game message information indicating a negative content message Ms is large or small, into the display game video DH. Therefore, according to this variant, the user U of the game device 10 (or game device 10A) and the user of the terminal device 70 can easily identify the level of stimulation in the football video game and whether the stimulation in the football video game is a positive or negative stimulus.

[0330] Variation Example 11

[0331] In the above embodiments and variations 1 to 10, "football video game" is exemplified as an example of "video game," but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any video game can be used as "video game" in the present invention.

[0332] C. Postscript

[0333] Based on the above description, the present invention is understood, for example, as follows. For ease of understanding, reference numerals for the accompanying drawings have been added in parentheses, but this does not imply that the invention is limited to the illustrated aspects.

[0334] Postscript 1

[0335] According to one aspect of the invention, a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., storage device 1003) contains a program (e.g., control program PGg) that enables a processor (e.g., processor 1001) of a gaming device (e.g., gaming device 10) to function as: a game controller (e.g., game controller 111) configured to execute a video game (e.g., a football video game) and generate video information (e.g., display game video information JDH) indicating the video game; and a acquirer configured to acquire message information (message information JMs) output from a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 70) configured to display a distribution video (e.g., distribution game video DD) based on the video information, the message information including messages (e.g., messages Ms) relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game. The game controller is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0336] In this aspect, the game controller incorporates the messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the gaming device. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to a form where the messages are not incorporated into the video of the video game, users playing the video game on the gaming device and users watching the distributed video on the terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement of the video game.

[0337] Furthermore, in this aspect, the game controller incorporates messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the game device based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to, for example, incorporating messages into the video of the video game without considering progress status information, the probability of hindering the user from operating the video game on the game device when operation of the game device is required based on the progress status of the video game can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the demand for viewing distributed videos by users on terminal devices increases based on the progress status of the video game, the probability of hindering the user of the terminal device from viewing the distributed videos is reduced compared to the form of incorporating messages into the video game video without considering progress status information. Therefore, according to this aspect, for example, compared to the form of incorporating messages into the video game video without considering progress status information, the adverse effects of incorporating messages into the video game video on the users of the game device and the terminal device can be reduced.

[0338] In the above aspects, "video information" may be, for example, information indicating game images updated in real time for each unit time period, information indicating a set of multiple game images corresponding one-to-one with multiple unit time periods, or information with added instructional audio. Here, "unit time period" may be, for example, a time period with a predetermined duration, or a time period with a variable duration. "Game images" may be, for example, still images representing the virtual space of the video game or still images representing screens for the user of the gaming device to perform operations in the video game. In addition, "instructional audio information" may be, for example, information indicating audio generated in the virtual space of the video game, or information indicating audio generated by the gaming device in response to the user's operations on the video game.

[0339] In the above modes, "distributed video" can be, for example, the same video as the video indicated by the video information; a video whose resolution has been changed from the resolution of the video indicated by the video information; or a video to which video images or still images different from the video indicated by the video information have been added.

[0340] In the above aspects, "message information" may be, for example, information about a message published on a specific website (e.g., an SNS site, etc.), information about a message sent to a game device, or information about a message sent to a game system including a game device.

[0341] In the above aspects, "progress status information" can be, for example, information that includes probability information, indicating the probability that the final outcome of the video game will change at various points in time during the ongoing video game period.

[0342] Here, when the game progression from start to finish in the video game is divided into multiple game periods, the "probability information" may, for example, include period type information, which indicates the type of game period the video game is currently in. Alternatively, when the video game can progress in multiple types of progression modes, the "probability information" may, for example, include mode type information, which indicates the type of progression mode the video game is currently progressing in. Alternatively, the "probability information" may, for example, include both period type information and mode type information.

[0343] In this respect, "multiple game periods" may include, for example, one or more in-play periods and one or more out-of-play periods. An "in-play period" can be a period in which the state of a character or object in the video game can be changed based on the user's actions, such as those of a gaming device, within the virtual space of the video game. Conversely, an "out-of-play period" can be a period in which the state of a character or object in the video game cannot be changed based on the user's actions, such as those of a gaming device. Furthermore, an "out-of-play period" may be, for example, a period in which the final outcome of the video game at the end of the game is less likely to be changed than an "in-play period." Here, the "state of a character or object in the video game" can be the position, posture, movement speed or direction of the character or object in the virtual space of the video game, the probability of the character or object existing in the video game, or one, some, or all of the above.

[0344] In this respect, "multiple types of progression modes" may include, for example, an in-play progression mode and a stopped progression mode. An "in-play progression mode" can be a progression mode in which the state of a character or object in the video game's virtual space can be changed based on, for example, the user's actions on a gaming device. Furthermore, for example, a "stopped progression mode" can be a progression mode in which the state of a character or object in the video game's virtual space cannot be changed based on, for example, the user's actions on a gaming device. Additionally, a "stopped progression mode" can be, for example, a progression mode in which the final outcome of the video game at the end of the video game is less likely to be changed compared to an "in-play progression mode."

[0345] In the above aspects, "incorporating a message into the video game's video" could, for example, mean displaying an overlay image indicating the message in the video game's video, incorporating an image indicating the message into the video game's virtual space presented by the video game's video, displaying the message among objects existing in the video game's virtual space presented by the video game's video, or incorporating the message in the form of audio into the video game's video.

[0346] Appendix 2

[0347] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendix 1, wherein the game controller is configured to determine, based on progress status information, whether to incorporate a message contained in a message message into the video of a video game, and in response to the decision to incorporate the message message, to incorporate the message contained in the message message into the video of the video game based on the progress status information.

[0348] In this aspect, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, the game controller decides whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the gaming device. Therefore, according to this aspect, for example, compared to incorporating the message into the video of the video game without considering the progress status information, the adverse effects on the user of the gaming device and the user of the terminal device that would result from incorporating the message into the video of the video game can be reduced.

[0349] Appendix 3

[0350] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendix 1 or 2, and the game controller is configured to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game in a manner corresponding to the progress status indicated by the progress status information.

[0351] In this aspect, the game controller incorporates the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the game device in a manner corresponding to the progress status indicated by the progress status information. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to, for example, incorporating the message into the video game video without considering the progress status information, the adverse effects on the users of the game device and the terminal device that would result from incorporating the message into the video game video can be reduced.

[0352] Appendix 4

[0353] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the progress status information includes probability information relating to the probability that the final outcome of the video game at the end of the video game changes according to the progress of the video game, and the game controller is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game based on the probability information.

[0354] In this aspect, the game controller incorporates messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the gaming device based on probability information relating to the probability that the final outcome of the video game may change at the end of the video game. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to, for example, incorporating messages into the video game video without considering probability information, the probability of hindering the user from operating the video game on the gaming device when the device needs to be operated due to the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, when, for example, the demand for users watching distributed videos on terminal devices increases due to the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change, the probability of hindering users of terminal devices from watching distributed videos can be reduced compared to the form of incorporating messages into the video game video without considering probability information. Therefore, according to this aspect, for example, compared to the form of incorporating messages into the video game video without considering probability information, the adverse effects of incorporating messages into the video game video on users of both the gaming device and the terminal device can be reduced.

[0355] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium may be the recording medium according to Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the progress period of the video game (e.g., video game progress period TG) includes a first progress period (e.g., in-play period TG1) and a second progress period (e.g., out-of-play period TG2), in which the probability that the final outcome of the video game may change at the end of the video game is lower than in the first progress period, and the progress status information includes period type information indicating whether the video game is progressing in the first progress period. In this case, the game controller is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game based on the period type information.

[0356] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium may be the recording medium described in Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the progress status information includes mode type information indicating the type of progress mode the game controller is currently in in a plurality of progress modes, including a first progress mode (e.g., in-play progress mode) and a second progress mode (e.g., out-of-play progress mode), wherein the probability of the final outcome of the video game changing at the end of the video game is lower in the second progress mode compared to the first progress mode. In this case, the game controller may incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game based on the mode type information.

[0357] Appendix 5

[0358] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendix 4, and the game controller is configured to limit the area of ​​the message contained in the message information displayed in the video of the video game in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final result of the video game may change.

[0359] In this aspect, when the game presents a possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change, the game controller restricts the area in the video game's video where messages are displayed. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to a form that does not restrict the area where messages are displayed even when there is a possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change, the probability of a user being prevented from operating the video game on the device when the device needs to be operated in response to the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, when, for example, the demand for users watching distributed videos on a terminal device increases in response to the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game, the probability of hindering users of the terminal device from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a form that does not restrict the area where messages are displayed even when there is a possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change.

[0360] Appendix 6

[0361] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendix 4 or 5, and the game controller includes a progresser (e.g., game progresser 121) configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the virtual space of the video game based on the progress of the video game; and a generator (e.g., video information generator 122) configured to generate video information based on the virtual space information, and the progresser is configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information in response to probability information indicating the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game.

[0362] In this regard, when the game presents a situation where the final outcome of the video game may change, the game controller incorporates the message into the virtual space of the video game. Therefore, according to this aspect, even in situations where, for example, the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying the message image onto an image in the virtual space, the probability of hindering a user from operating the video game on the gaming device when operation is required in response to the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, even in situations where, for example, the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying an image indicating the message onto an image indicating the virtual space, the probability of hindering a user of the terminal device from viewing the distributed video can be reduced.

[0363] In the above aspects, "virtual space information" may be, for example, information indicating the position, posture, movement speed, or direction of movement of a character or object in the virtual space of the video game, or information indicating the survivability of a character or object in the video game, or information indicating one, some, or all of these items.

[0364] Postscript 7

[0365] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium described in Appendix 6, and the progresser is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game, display a message contained in the message information in an object existing in the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information.

[0366] In this aspect, when the game presents a possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change, the game controller displays a message on an object existing in the virtual space of the video game. Therefore, according to this aspect, even in cases where the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying the message image onto an image in the virtual space, the probability of hindering a user from operating the video game on the gaming device when the device needs to be operated in response to the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, even in cases where the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying an image indicating a message onto an image indicating the virtual space, the probability of hindering a user of the terminal device from viewing the distributed video can be reduced.

[0367] Postscript 8

[0368] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the recording medium according to Appendices 4 to 7, and the game controller is configured to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game in audio form in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change.

[0369] In this aspect, when the game presents a situation where the final outcome of the video game may change, the game controller incorporates the message as audio into the video game's video. Therefore, according to this aspect, even in situations where, for example, the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying the message image onto an image in virtual space, the likelihood of hindering a user from operating the video game on the gaming device when operation is required in response to the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, even in situations where, for example, the final outcome of the video game may change, compared to overlaying an image indicating the message onto an image indicating virtual space, the probability of hindering a user of the terminal device from viewing the distributed video can be reduced.

[0370] Postscript 9

[0371] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded, which enables the processor of the game device to function as: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game, and the game controller configured to determine whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0372] In this respect, the game controller can decide to incorporate the messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game executed on the gaming device. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to a form where the messages are not incorporated into the video of the video game, users playing the video game on the gaming device and users watching the distributed video on the terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement of the video game.

[0373] In this aspect, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, the game controller is configured to decide whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game being executed on the gaming device. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to, for example, incorporating the message into the video of the video game without considering the progress status information, the probability of hindering a user from operating the video game on the gaming device when the gaming device needs to be operated according to the progress status of the video game can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, when, for example, the demand for watching distributed videos on a terminal device increases according to the progress status of the video game, compared to, incorporating the message into the video of the video game without considering the progress status information, the probability of hindering a user of the terminal device from watching the distributed videos can be reduced. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to, for example, incorporating the message into the video of the video game without considering the progress status information, the adverse effects of incorporating the message into the video of the video game on the users of the gaming device and the terminal device can be reduced.

[0374] Postscript 10

[0375] According to another aspect of the invention, the recording medium is the same as that described in Appendix 9, and the progress status information includes probability information relating to the probability that the final outcome of the video game will change at the end of the video game. In this case, the game controller determines, based on the probability information, whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game.

[0376] According to this aspect, compared to incorporating messages without considering the probability information of the video game's video, the probability of hindering a user from operating the video game on their device when the device needs to be operated due to the possibility that the final outcome of the video game will change can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for a user to watch a distributed video on a terminal device to do so increases due to the possibility that the final outcome of the video game will change, the probability of hindering a user from watching the distributed video can be reduced compared to incorporating messages into the video game's video without considering probability information.

[0377] Postscript 11

[0378] A gaming apparatus according to one aspect of the invention includes: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game, and the game controller configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0379] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0380] Postscript 12

[0381] According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming device includes: a game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicating the video game; and a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distribution video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distribution video and the video game, and the game controller configured to determine whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video game video based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0382] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0383] Postscript 13

[0384] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a gaming device includes: activating a processor of the gaming device as: a game controller that executes a video game and generates video information indicating the video game; and a acquirer that acquires message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game, and the game controller incorporating messages contained in the message information into the video game based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0385] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0386] Postscript 14

[0387] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a gaming device includes: activating a processor of the gaming device as: a game controller that executes a video game and generates video information indicating the video game; and a acquirer that acquires message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game, and the game controller determining, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game.

[0388] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0389] Postscript 15

[0390] According to one aspect of the present invention, a game system is a game device having a game apparatus for executing a video game and generating video information indicating the video game, and the game system includes: a acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; and a game controller configured to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game.

[0391] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0392] Postscript 16

[0393] According to another aspect of the invention, a game system is a game device having a game apparatus for executing a video game and generating video information indicating the video game, and the game system includes: a receiver configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; and a game controller configured to determine, based on progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game, whether to incorporate messages contained in the message information into the video of the video game.

[0394] According to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are not incorporated into the video game video, users playing the video game on their device and users watching distributed videos on their terminal device can easily grasp the level of excitement in the video game. Furthermore, according to this aspect, compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information, the probability of users playing the video game on their device being prevented from operating the device when operation is required based on the video game's progress status can be reduced. Additionally, according to this aspect, when, for example, the need for users watching distributed videos on their terminal device to view the distributed videos increases based on the video game's progress status, the probability of users on their terminal device being prevented from watching the distributed videos can be reduced compared to a format where messages are incorporated into the video game video without considering progress status information.

[0395] List of reference numerals

[0396] 10...Game device, 11...Controller, 13...Storage unit, 14...Input unit, 15...Communication device, 20...Display device, 30...Message management server, 31...Controller, 33...Storage unit, 35...Communication device, 40...Video editing device, 50...Video distribution server, 60...SNS server, 70...Terminal device, 111...Game controller, 120...Message integrator, 121...Game progresser, 122...Video information generator, 123...Message integrator method determiner, 124...Message acquirer, 125...Message determiner, 126...Message analyzer, 311...Message acquirer, 312...Message distributor, 1001...Processor, 1003...Storage device, 1004...Input device, 1005...Communication device, 3001...Processor, 3003...Storage device, 3005...Communication device, Sys...Video distribution system, SysG...Game system.

Claims

1. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing the processor of a gaming device to function as: A game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicative of the video game; as well as A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. in, The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress bar is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information, and The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

2. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1, in, The game controller is configured as follows: Based on the progress status information, a decision is made as to whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video game video. In response to the decision to incorporate the message, the message contained in the message information is incorporated into the video of the video game based on the progress status information.

3. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The game controller is configured to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the video of the video game in a manner corresponding to the progress status indicated by the progress status information.

4. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1, wherein, The game controller is configured to, in response to the probability information, limit the area in the video game video in which the message contained in the message information is displayed.

5. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1, wherein, The progress bar is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game, display the message contained in the message information in an object existing in the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information.

6. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 1, wherein, The game controller is configured to incorporate the message contained in the message information as audio into the video of the video game in response to the probability information indicating the possibility of a change in the final outcome of the video game.

7. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon that causes the processor of a gaming device to function as: A game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicative of the video game; as well as A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. in, The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress indicator is configured to determine, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information, and wherein the progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

8. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising: A game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicative of the video game; as well as A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress bar is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information, and The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

9. A gaming device, the gaming device comprising: A game controller configured to execute a video game and generate video information indicative of the video game; as well as A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress indicator is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, determine whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information. The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

10. A method for controlling a gaming device, the method being executed by a processor of the gaming device and comprising the following steps: Execute the video game and generate video information that indicates the video game; as well as The system acquires message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages related to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. The step of generating the video information includes: progressing the video game to generate virtual space information related to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, incorporating the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information; and generating the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

11. A method for controlling a gaming device, the method being executed by a processor of the gaming device and comprising the following steps: Execute the video game and generate video information that indicates the video game; as well as The system acquires message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages related to at least one of the distributed video and the video game. The step of generating the video information includes: progressing the video game to generate virtual space information related to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; determining, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information; and generating the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

12. A game system having game devices for executing a video game and generating video information instructing the video game, the game system comprising: A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; as well as The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress bar is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information, and The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

13. A game system having game devices for executing a video game and generating video information instructing the video game, the game system comprising: A acquirer configured to acquire message information output from a terminal device configured to display a distributed video based on the video information, the message information including messages relating to at least one of the distributed video and the video game; as well as The game controller includes: A progress mechanism, configured to progress the video game to generate virtual space information relating to the state of the video game's virtual space based on the progress of the video game; and A generator configured to generate the video information based on the virtual space information. The progress indicator is configured to, in response to probability information indicating the possibility that the final outcome of the video game may change according to the progress of the video game, determine whether to incorporate the message contained in the message information into the virtual space indicated by the virtual space information. The progress status information indicating the progress status of the video game includes the probability information.

Images