Game system, computer program use for the same and control method

Abstract

To provide a game system that can add a game property to the selection in a selection opportunity.SOLUTION: A game system 1 provides a selection screen 70 to select at least one of multiple individual choice areas 73 included in a game screen 50 of a baseball game provided by a game machine 3 to a viewer who views the game screen 50 of the baseball game through a user terminal device. The game system 1 determines an area 73 into which a ball image 65 of a home run jumps when the home run is hit according to a prescribed rule so as to jump into (reach) any one of the multiple individual choice areas 73 in the baseball game, and grants a privilege to a viewer who has performed the selection when the area 73 matches the individual choice area 73 selected on the selection screen 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system etc. that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options that each correspond to a plurality of areas included in a game screen of a game played through a game screen displayed on a display device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a game system that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options corresponding to a plurality of areas included in a game screen of a game played through a game screen displayed on a display device. For example, a game system is known that provides a spectator player who is spectating a racing game with an opportunity to select a spectator viewpoint from a plurality of viewpoints set on a racing course of the racing game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, Patent Document 2 is known as a prior art document related to the present invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-77299 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6665273 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the game of Patent Document 1, for example, a car may have an accident at a spectator viewpoint, and some kind of event may occur that is associated with the viewpoint. However, even if such an event occurs, the system is not configured to give some kind of benefit to the spectator player who selected the viewpoint where the event occurred, on the condition that the event occurs. Similarly, in the system of Patent Document 2, the content including the character seems to be viewed from a viewing position corresponding to the viewing user. In this system, the character may perform some kind of event at the viewing position. However, even if such an event occurs, the system is not configured to give some kind of benefit to the viewing user at the viewing position where the event occurred, on the condition that the event occurs (rather, it may be said that the granting of such a benefit is the opposite configuration, considering that fairness is ensured, for example, as described in paragraphs 0057-0059, etc.). As a result, in these systems, the situation of the game or the content does not give a large merit (profit) to the spectator player, etc. For this reason, there is room to improve the profit of the spectator (or viewer) of the game, etc., and further the interest of spectating, etc., through such profits.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system etc. that can add game element to the selection during the selection opportunity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The game system of the present invention is a game system that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options each corresponding to a plurality of areas included in a game screen of a game played through a game screen displayed on a display device, and is equipped with an area determination means that, when an event occurs in the game according to predetermined rules so as to be associated with a portion of the plurality of areas, determines the portion of the area associated with the event, and a bonus granting means that grants a bonus to the user when the portion of the area is included in a corresponding area that corresponds to the at least one option selected in the selection opportunity.

[0007] On the other hand, a computer program according to the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the display device to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

[0008] In addition, the control method of the present invention causes a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options corresponding to each of a plurality of areas included in a game screen of a game played through a game screen displayed on a display device to execute an area determination procedure for determining, when an event occurs in the game according to predetermined rules so as to be associated with a portion of the plurality of areas, the portion of the area associated with the event, and a bonus granting procedure for granting a bonus to the user when the portion of the area is included in a corresponding area that corresponds to the at least one option selected in the selection opportunity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the game system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an area selection service. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewing screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a development event as a benefit condition. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between a hit ball and a privilege condition. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen for a home run catch game. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of area data. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for an area selection process. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a benefit providing process. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a probability change process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a selection screen according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of the game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, and game machines 3 connected to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B, etc. as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may also be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be configured logically by using cloud computing.

[0011] The network NT may be configured as appropriate so long as it is possible to connect the game machines 3 (or the user terminal devices 4 described below, etc.) to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT is constructed by the Internet as a WAN and a LAN that connects the center server 2 and the game machines 3 to the Internet. Note that various computer devices may be interposed between the game machines 3 and the LAN as appropriate. In this case, such computer devices and the game machines 3 may be constructed as one local system, and such a local system may be connected to the center server 2 via the network NT.

[0012] The game machine 3 is a device that provides games. As the game machine 3, various computer devices for personal use such as stationary or portable game machines (including tablets or smartphones) or stationary or notebook personal computers may be used, but in the example of FIG. 1, an arcade game machine is used. Arcade game machines are computer devices installed in various facilities such as stores with the main purpose of making many users play games repeatedly to generate profits. For this reason, the game machine 3 is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine (a game machine that provides games for a fee) that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the payment of a predetermined play fee in exchange for the payment of the play fee.

[0013] The game machine 3 may be installed in various facilities as appropriate, but is installed in an event venue (facility) EF in the example of Fig. 1. Various events may be held at the event venue EF, and the game machine 3 may be used as appropriate at the events, but in the example of Fig. 1, a game event using a game provided by the game machine 3 is held at the event venue EF. In this case, the game machine 3 may provide a game in exchange for a predetermined play fee, as in the case where it is installed in a store or the like, but in the example of Fig. 1, the game machine 3 provides play for free.

[0014] The game machine 3 may provide appropriate games such as action games, simulation games, role-playing games, timing games (music games), or sports games for game events. The game machine 3 may provide these games as single (single) play or as multiple play. In the case of multiple play, the game may be provided as a competitive or cooperative game (including the case where the opponent or the cooperative is a computer) in an appropriate format such as one-on-one, one-on-many (team), or many-on-many (the number of players may be appropriate and may or may not be the same). For this reason, an appropriate number of game machines 3 may be installed in the event venue EF according to such various games, but in the example of FIG. 1, two or more game machines 3 are installed in the event venue EF. The two game machines 3 provide competitive games in which two users P (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as players P) who play the games through the two game machines 3 compete against each other one-on-one.

[0015] The game event may be configured as a competition in which players compete for results in an appropriate format, such as a tournament or league match, or may simply be configured as a gathering to show off their play. The game event may be an event without spectators or an event with spectators. In this way, the game event may be configured appropriately depending on the type of game, etc., but in the example of FIG. 1, it is configured as an event with spectators, with spectators PA present, who watch the play of two players P who play against each other through two game machines 3 on a stage.

[0016] An event venue EF is a venue where a game event is held. An appropriate number of event venues EF may be prepared as the venue for the game event, and only one event venue EF may be prepared, or multiple event venues EF (including the case where one event venue EF functions as multiple event venues EF at different times). Furthermore, one game event (including both simultaneous and time-staggered events) may be hosted at multiple event venues EF, or multiple game events may be hosted. Below, a game system 1 applied to a game event at one event venue EF will be described as an example.

[0017] In addition to the game machine 3, various devices such as production equipment for producing (enhancing) the game event may be installed appropriately at the event venue EF. In the example of FIG. 1, a light unit LU, a speaker SP, a smoke device SU, a monitor MO, and a camera CA are installed as types of production equipment (in the example of FIG. 1, one of each device is shown, but these are not limited to one and any appropriate number may be installed).

[0018] The light unit LU is a well-known lighting device that performs various visual effects by lighting (light) such as lighting, blinking, turning off, or suitable coloring. The speaker SP is a well-known audio output device that performs auditory effects by reproducing (outputting) various sounds. The smoke device SU is a well-known device that performs visual effects by generating a suitable amount of smoke. The camera CA is a well-known device that captures images (situation of a game event). The monitor MO is a well-known display device that displays various images (including images for performance or various information). The monitor MO may appropriately display, for example, the results of the camera CA as images for performance, or game screens provided by each game machine 3. These various performance devices may be connected to the center server 2 and controlled by the center server 2, or may be connected to and controlled by a local system when a local system is constructed in the event venue EF. In this manner, each performance device may be appropriately controlled.

[0019] A user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via a network NT. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is provided for the user's personal use. The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by implementing various computer software. For example, the user terminal device 4 functions as a display terminal that can display various videos in accordance with the execution of a predetermined application (software). Any suitable computer device may be used as the user terminal device 4, and the example of FIG. 1 shows user terminal devices such as a mobile terminal device 4A such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a portable tablet terminal device 4B, and a book-type (or stationary) personal computer 4C. These are connected to the network NT as appropriate through, for example, an access point AP. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to a network and are provided for the user's personal use, such as a stationary home game machine or a portable game machine, may be used as the user terminal device 4 as appropriate.

[0020] When the user terminal device 4 connected to the game system 1 functions as a display terminal, a video distribution system is constructed in the game system 1 through appropriate server units 2A, 2B, etc. of the center server 2. That is, in this case, the game system 1 includes the video distribution system. The video distribution system is a system for distributing the status of a game event to the user of the user terminal device 4. The video distribution system distributes various images (videos) such as appropriate game screens displayed by the game machine 3, shooting results captured by the camera CA, or appropriate combinations of these (including appropriately edited images) as the status of the game event to the user terminal device 4. For this reason, various devices installed at the event venue EF, such as the game machine 3 or the camera CA, may be appropriately connected to the video distribution system (center server 2), but in the example of FIG. 1, the game machine 3 is connected. In this case, the video distribution system appropriately acquires various game status information including game results (including information for replay data for reproducing the game screen), or image data capturing the game screen, from the game machine 3, and distributes video based on the acquired results (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as game video) to the user terminal device 4 as the status of the game event.

[0021] The center server 2 provides various equipment services to the game machines 3. The equipment services include an information acquisition service that acquires information on the playing status of each player P (including replay data and image data) from each game machine 3. In addition, when information on the playing record of each player P is managed through various data such as play data, the equipment services may include a data update service that reflects the information on the playing status in such data. Furthermore, in the case where various performance devices are controlled by the center server 2, the equipment services may include a service for controlling them. For example, in the case where the results of shooting by the camera CA are used in a video distribution system, the equipment services may include a control service that controls the shooting conditions of the camera CA (shooting direction, shooting range, angle of view, shooting time, etc.), and a video recording service that acquires the results of shooting and records them as video data.

[0022] Similarly, the center server 2 provides various Web services to users of the user terminal devices 4 via the network NT. The Web services include various services provided via a video distribution system, including, for example, a video distribution service, a video-related service, and a billing service. The video distribution service is a service that distributes game video to the user terminal devices 4. The video distribution service may be configured to distribute video data for displaying the game video to the user terminal devices 4 as appropriate, and is configured to distribute the video data at any time using packet communication, for example. Such game video may be recorded video that records past play situations, but is distributed as live video that distributes, for example, the current play situation live (almost in real time). In other words, the game play situation in a game event is streamed to the user terminal devices 4 as game video at any time in almost real time through the video distribution service.

[0023] The video-related service is a service related to game video distributed through the video distribution service. The video-related service may include various services related to game video as appropriate, and includes an area selection service as an example. The area selection service is a service for giving a viewer a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of areas set on a game screen of a game played through each game machine 3, and for giving a privilege according to the selection result and the actual game play situation. The selection of an area in such an area selection service may be provided free of charge, but is provided in exchange for collection of a predetermined fee as an example. The area selection service will be described in detail later.

[0024] The billing service is a service for collecting various fees from each user of the user terminal device 4 through a known settlement process. Such fees include various fees according to the contents of the Web service, such as a video distribution service or a video-related service, and include a fee for selecting an area in an area selection service, as an example. In other words, the fee (fee) required in the area selection service is collected through the billing service. Note that the Web service may also include, for example, a data distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data, etc.) to each user terminal device 4, an ID assignment service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user, or an authentication service that receives user identification information from the user terminal device 4 and authenticates the user.

[0025] Next, the main parts of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, with an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for the operation.

[0026] The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store data in a plurality of storage units. The storage unit 22 records a server program PG1 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes required to provide various services to users. The storage unit 22 also stores server data 23 required to provide various services. The server data 23 includes various data required to provide equipment services or Web services, and in the example of FIG. 2, video data VD and area data RD are shown as one type of such various data.

[0027] The video data VD is well-known video data for displaying game images on the user terminal device 4. The video data VD is generated based on image data for displaying a game screen, etc. The area data RD is data for defining a plurality of areas set on the game screen. The area data RD is used, for example, to present options in a selection opportunity provided through an area selection service. Details of the area data RD will be described further below. The server data 23 may include, for example, various other data for realizing various other services. For example, such data may include the above-mentioned play data, or ID management data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, illustration of these is omitted.

[0028] The control unit 21 is provided with a device service management unit 26 and a Web service management unit 27 as logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as a software resource. The device service management unit 26 executes various processes for implementing the above-mentioned device services for the game machine 3. Meanwhile, the Web service management unit 27 executes various processes for implementing Web services such as the above-mentioned video distribution service, video-related service, or billing service for the user terminal device 4. For example, the Web service management unit 27 executes a well-known process for implementing streaming distribution of game video as a process for implementing the video distribution service. Also, the Web service management unit 27 executes a well-known billing process (including cooperation with other billing systems) as a process for implementing the billing service.

[0029] Similarly, the Web service management unit 27 executes appropriate processing according to the content of the service to be provided as processing for realizing the video-related service, and the processing includes processing for realizing the area selection service. For example, the Web service management unit 27 executes processing for providing a selection opportunity as processing for realizing the area selection service, and processing for granting a bonus according to the selection result. These may include various processing as appropriate, and include an area selection processing, a bonus granting processing, and a probability change processing as examples. The procedures of the area selection processing, the bonus granting processing, and the probability change processing will be described in detail later. Note that an input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, and the like may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, illustration of these is omitted.

[0030] On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined computer program, and an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for the operation. The control unit 31 is provided with a game control unit 33 and a data management unit 34 as logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG2 as a software resource. The game control unit 33 executes various processes required for providing a game (including various processes required for receiving device services). Similarly, the data management unit 34 executes various processes (including various processes required for receiving device services) for managing data stored in the storage unit 32. Such processes include, for example, processes for generating or transmitting image data for displaying a game screen for game images.

[0031] The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the above-mentioned game program PG2, and the example in FIG. 2 shows game data GD. The game data GD is data that is appropriately referenced to allow the user to play the game in accordance with the game program PG2. The game data GD may appropriately include various data such as, for example, sound data for playing the sound of the game, image data for displaying a game screen, the above-mentioned play data, or ID management data.

[0032] In addition, the game machine 3 may be provided with various output devices and input devices necessary for an arcade game machine as appropriate and connected to the control unit 31, but in the example of FIG. 2, a monitor 36 and a speaker 37 are provided as such output devices, and an input device IP1 is provided as an input device. The monitor 36 and the speaker 37 are well-known display devices that display various images related to the game, such as game screens for providing the game, and a well-known audio playback device that plays audio, respectively. The input device IP1 is a device for inputting various play actions performed by the player P to play the game. As the input device IP1, various input devices such as a push button switch or a touch panel may be appropriately adopted depending on the type of game, etc.

[0033] The user terminal device 4 is provided with a control unit 41 as a computer and a storage unit 42 as a storage means. The control unit 41 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program with an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for the operation of the CPU.

[0034] The storage unit 42 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 42 records a terminal program PG3 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 41 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 42 also records terminal data TD necessary for enjoying Web services such as displaying game images. The terminal data TD includes various data, and in the example of FIG. 2, video data VD and area data RD are shown as one type of data. The video data VD and area data RD are provided by the center server 2 so as to include a part necessary as a part of a video distribution service (or a data distribution service) or a video-related service (or an area selection service). The terminal data TD may also include, for example, ID management data and the like appropriately provided by the center server 2. Similarly, the terminal data TD may include, for example, image data for displaying various images related to the distribution of game images, or audio data for playing various sounds such as background music. However, these are not shown in the drawings.

[0035] In the control unit 41, various logical devices are configured by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 41 and the terminal program PG3 as a software resource. Various processes necessary for enjoying the Web service are executed through these logical devices, and the example of FIG. 2 shows a video control unit 43 and a data management unit 44 as logical devices related to these. The video control unit 43 is a logical device that performs various processes for displaying various images (including videos). Such processes include a process for displaying game images (videos) (a process for enjoying a video distribution service), a process for displaying various images related to game images in order to enjoy a video-related service, and a process for enjoying a billing service related to these. For example, the video control unit 43 executes an area selection process in cooperation with the Web service management unit 27 of the center server 2 as a process for realizing an area selection service included in the video-related service. On the other hand, the data management unit 44 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the management of the terminal data TD recorded in the storage unit 42. Such processing includes a process of acquiring the video data VD and the area data RD from the center server 2, a process of updating them as appropriate, and a process of providing (transmitting) the updated data to the center server 2.

[0036] In addition, the user terminal device 4 may be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of user terminal device such as the mobile terminal device 4A, and in the example of FIG. 2, a monitor 46 and a speaker 47 are shown as such output devices, and an input device IP2 is shown as an input device. The monitor 46 and the speaker 47 are a well-known display device for displaying various images such as game images, and a well-known audio playback device for playing audio, respectively. The input device IP2 is a device for a user to input actions for various services. As the input device IP2, an appropriate input device may be used depending on various services, and a touch panel is used as an example. The touch panel is a well-known input device (detection device) that detects the position of a touch operation by a user and outputs a signal according to the position. Through a touch operation on such a touch panel, an appropriate touch operation for using a video distribution service, a video-related service, or a billing service is input. The touch panel is arranged on the monitor 46 so as to cover the monitor 46 in order to detect such a touch operation.

[0037] Next, the area selection service will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 8. As described above, the area selection service is a service that provides a viewer of a game video with a selection opportunity and a benefit based on the selection result therein, and in other words, it functions as a service that adds game-like qualities to the viewer of the game video through these selection opportunities and benefits. As described above, the game machine 3 may provide various games as appropriate, and the area selection service may be applied to these various games as appropriate. Below, the area selection service will be described for the case where the game machine 3 provides a baseball game (sports game).

[0038] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the area selection service. The area selection service may be provided independently (separately) from the video distribution service as a part of the video-related service, but the example of FIG. 3 shows a case where the area selection service is provided while the video distribution service is being provided (both are provided in parallel). The example of FIG. 3 shows an example of a procedure for realizing the area selection service in such a case. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the area selection service includes procedures F1 to F6. Specifically, a game screen 50 is displayed on the monitor 36 of each game machine 3 for playing a game, and first, data for distributing such a game screen 50 as a game video is transmitted from each game machine 3 to the center server 2 (F1). When the video data VD is generated on the game machine 3 side, for example, the video data VD may be transmitted to the center server 2 as such data. In this way, the game machine 3 may transmit appropriate data to the center server 2 as long as the game screen 50 can be displayed, but as an example, image data captured from the game screen 50 at any time (for example, at a predetermined refresh rate) is transmitted to the center server 2.

[0039] On the other hand, when the center server 2 acquires image data from each game machine 3, it generates video data VD for displaying game images, and distributes the game images based on the video data VD to the user terminal device 4 (F2). The video data VD may be configured to display only one of the game screens 50 of the two game machines 3 as the game images, but as an example, it is generated to display game images including two game screens 50 corresponding to the two game machines 3 as appropriate. The game images may be appropriately processed, for example, by enlarging one of the game screens 50, focusing on a part of it, or fading out it. Such game images may be appropriately viewed on the user terminal device 4, but as an example, they are viewed through a viewing screen 60. Details of the viewing screen 60 will be described later.

[0040] When a predetermined touch operation is performed on the viewing screen 60 to request a selection opportunity, a selection screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 46 of the user terminal device 4. The selection screen 70 is a screen for providing a selection opportunity. Specifically, the selection screen 70 is a screen for the viewer to select a desired area from a plurality of areas set on the game screen 50. The selection of an area on the selection screen 70 may be provided free of charge, but is provided in exchange for a predetermined fee as described above as an example. Therefore, each viewer selects a desired area (option) on the selection screen 70 while paying a fee through a billing service. The selection result on the selection screen 70 is transmitted to the center server 2 (F3). The details of the selection screen 70 will be described later.

[0041] Meanwhile, in the game provided by each game machine 3, development (progress) may occur appropriately according to the play action of each player P. Such development includes events (hereinafter, may be called development events to distinguish from real events such as game events) that occur according to a predetermined rule. For example, in a baseball game, various hits such as hits, fouls, and home runs may occur according to the match between the pitcher and the batter, and these are determined according to the parameters of the pitcher and the batter, and the timing of the operation when the player P controls the batter, etc. In other words, the direction, distance, speed, etc. of the hit are determined according to a predetermined rule (algorithm or probability) that uses various parameters, etc., and are classified as hits, etc. For this reason, such hits function as a type of development event. Similarly, various development events such as a runner stealing a base may occur in the baseball game. Each game machine 3 appropriately transmits information on various play situations including information on such development events to the center server 2 (F4).

[0042] When the center server 2 acquires information on the play situation from each game machine 3, it determines whether or not the selection result of the viewer satisfies the bonus condition based on the information on the play situation (F5). The bonus condition may be configured appropriately, and as an example, the bonus condition is satisfied when a predetermined play situation occurs in the area selected by the viewer. As such a predetermined play situation, an appropriate play situation that occurs in association with each area (option in the selection opportunity) of the game screen 50 may be used, and as an example, a development event that occurs in association with each area is used. In other words, the bonus condition is satisfied when a development event occurs in association with the area selected in the selection opportunity. The development event includes various developments as described above, and as an example, a hit ball is used as the bonus condition, and the bonus condition is satisfied when a hit ball flies into the area selected in the selection opportunity. Then, when the bonus condition is satisfied, that is, when a hit ball flies into the area selected in the selection opportunity, the center server 2 grants a bonus to the viewer of the user terminal device 4 (F6). The area selection service may add appropriate gameplay to the game footage depending on the type of game provided by the game machine 3. As an example, in the case of a baseball game, the gameplay of predicting the trajectory of a batted ball is added to the viewing of the game footage.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a viewing screen 60. The viewing screen 60 may also function as a selection screen for realizing a selection opportunity. In other words, each area functioning as each option may be set in the game video (game screen) included in the viewing screen 60, and selection of each area may be performed through a touch operation on the areas. However, the example of Fig. 4 shows the viewing screen 60 in the case where a screen (selection screen 70) different from the viewing screen 60 is used as the selection screen. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4, the viewing screen 60 includes a video area 61 and a ball prediction icon 62.

[0044] The video area 61 is an area for displaying game images. As described above, the game images may be appropriately combined from two game screens 50 of two game machines 3, but in the example of FIG. 4, the game images are composed of only the game screen 50 corresponding to the game machine 3 on the offensive side. In this case, the video area 61 displays the game screen 50 displayed on the game machine 3 on the offensive side as it is. The game screen 50 includes a pitcher character 64 as a pitcher who throws the ball, and a batter character 63 as a batter who hits back the ball thrown by the pitcher. The game screen 50 on the offensive side is configured to correspond to the results of shooting the stadium from the viewpoint of the catcher (or umpire). For this reason, in the example of FIG. 4, the video area 61 displays the game screen 50 corresponding to the catcher's viewpoint so that the back of the batter character 63 and the front of the pitcher character 64 are displayed.

[0045] On the other hand, the hit ball prediction icon 62 is an icon (image) that indicates a touch position for requesting a selection opportunity. In other words, when the position of the hit ball prediction icon 62 is touched, a selection opportunity is provided to the viewer on the viewing screen 60. More specifically, when the hit ball prediction icon 62 is touched, a selection screen 70 is displayed.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a selection screen 70. In a baseball game, hits occurring as development events include a plurality of types of hits, such as hits, and these various types of hits may be used as requirements for the bonus condition. For example, only a home run may be used as a requirement for the bonus condition, but the following describes, as an example, a case in which a foul ball (some foul balls) that flies into the outfield seats is used as a requirement (development event) for the bonus condition in addition to a home run. The example of FIG. 5 shows the selection screen 70 displayed in such a case.

[0047] The selection screen 70 is displayed to realize the selection opportunity as described above, and in the selection opportunity, each option is set so as to predict the location where the ball will fly. For this reason, in the selection opportunity, multiple options are prepared corresponding to multiple locations (areas) included in the game screen 50. Although such options may be prepared separately from each location (each location may be indirectly selected), the example of FIG. 5 shows the selection screen 70 in the case where each location is directly used as an option (each location is directly selected). Furthermore, the selection screen 70 may directly (as is) display the game screen 50 so as to include such locations, but a screen other than the game screen 50 may be displayed as long as such locations are included. As such a different screen, for example, a screen in which a game field similar to the game screen 50 is photographed under different shooting conditions (for example, a different angle, angle of view, shooting direction, etc.) (or a screen simulating the same) may be used. Furthermore, such a different screen may be a screen that cannot be displayed on the game machine 3 as a game screen. In this way, any appropriate screen may be used as the selection screen 70 as long as it includes locations common to the locations included in the game screen 50 (which may be conceptually common locations), and the example of Fig. 5 shows a case in which such a separate screen is used as the selection screen 70. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, the selection screen 70 includes a stadium image 71.

[0048] The stadium image 71 is an image showing a stadium that functions as a game field for a baseball game. The selection screen 70 may display a stadium image 71 obtained by photographing such a stadium under suitable photographing conditions, but in the example of Fig. 5, a stadium image 71 corresponding to the photographing result when the stadium is photographed in plan view from above is displayed. Although such a stadium image 71 may not be displayed on the game screen 50, it shows the entire stadium (game field) similar to the game screen 50, and therefore includes locations similar to each location included in the game screen 50 (the same locations with different photographing conditions).

[0049] Specifically, the stadium image 71 includes a ground area 71A and a spectator area 71B. The ground area 71A is an area that functions as a field where players such as batters play (baseball is played). The spectator area 71B is an area that is set as a spectator stand for spectators to watch baseball in a baseball game. The spectator area 71B is formed so as to surround the outside of the ground area 71A in the stadium image 71. The game screen 50 also includes the ground area 71A and the spectator area 71B, but only a part of them is displayed as a result of shooting from a different angle (an angle that imitates the catcher's field of view). On the other hand, the selection screen 70 in the example of FIG. 5 displays the whole of them.

[0050] An option area 72 is set in the stadium image 71. The option area 72 is an area that functions as an option (a place to be selected) in a selection opportunity. The option area 72 may be set appropriately in the stadium image 71, but as an example, it is set only in a portion (range) corresponding to the outfield seats of the spectator area 71B (between the left and right first boundary lines BL1 positioned to indicate the boundary with the infield seats). Specifically, the outfield seats include a home run area that is determined to be a home run (between the left and right second boundary lines BL2 positioned as an extension of the left and right foul lines FL) and a foul area that is determined to be a foul (the left and right areas between the first boundary line BL1 and the second boundary line BL2). For this reason, the option area 72 is set to a range (area) that a home run and a foul ball flying into the outfield seats can reach.

[0051] The option area 72 is divided into a plurality of individual option areas 73. Each of the plurality of individual option areas 73 functions as an option in the selection opportunity. That is, each viewer determines the individual option area 73 (option) that he / she wishes to select through a touch operation on each individual option area 73. Each individual option area 73 may be formed in an appropriate form (size, shape, etc.), and an appropriate number of individual option areas 73 may be provided in the option area 72 according to such form, etc. For example, each individual option area 73 may be formed in an appropriate shape and size such as a circle, an ellipse, a column, a cone, or various polygons, but in the example of FIG. 5, it is formed in a square shape with both sides having a length of several balls based on the size of a ball in a baseball game. In this example, the plurality of individual option areas 73 function as both the plurality of areas and the plurality of options of the present invention. Also, in this example, the viewer functions as a user of the present invention.

[0052] The form of each individual option area 73 may be changed appropriately according to the game play situation, characteristic information related to the user's characteristics, various ranges (area attributes) such as infield or outfield, or various conditions such as random. Specifically, for example, when the situation of a baseball game corresponds to a pinch or chance, or a specific inning (specific period) such as the seventh inning, the size of each individual option area 73 may be increased or decreased (for example, based on each individual option area 73 in the example of FIG. 5, the size may be set to correspond to two or more individual option areas 73 in a specific inning, and the size may be set to correspond to one individual option area 73 in a normal inning). Also, the form (range) may differ according to the area (its attribute), such as a small range corresponding to a foul and a large range corresponding to a home run.

[0053] Similarly, the form of each individual option area 73 may change according to various characteristic information such as the amount of charge (including both the cumulative amount and each charge), the number of views, the number of comments if comments can be added to the game video, viewers managed as blacklists and viewer ranks according to appropriate conditions, and various attribute information such as the physical build of each viewer (for example, input by each viewer). In these cases, the range (form) of each individual option area 73 can be changed according to the viewer's characteristics. In general, the wider the range of the individual option area 73, the higher the probability that a ball will fly there (and a development event will occur there). For this reason, for example, in the case of a viewer who frequently uses selection opportunities, the range of each individual option area 73 can be made wider than usual to give preferential treatment to that viewer. In other words, by changing the range of each individual option area 73, it is possible to give preferential treatment or disfavor to a particular viewer. As a result, it is possible to promote the use of selection opportunities through such preferential treatment. The form of each individual option area 73 set for each viewer in this way may change appropriately, but as an example, it is set uniformly. That is, the same number of individual option areas 73 having square shapes of similar sizes are set in the option area 72 for each viewer.

[0054] In the selection opportunity, the selection of each individual option area 73 may be free, but as an example, as described above, it is provided for a fee. In addition, in the selection opportunity, the selection of one individual option area 73 per person may be limited, or the selection of one individual option area 73 may be limited to only one viewer, but as an example, the selection of multiple individual option areas 73 is allowed for each viewer in an overlapping manner (overlap of multiple viewers in one individual option area 73). The selection of multiple individual option areas 73 may be allowed appropriately, and may change, for example, according to the amount paid by each viewer. Such a change may, for example, increase the number of selectable individual option areas 73 exponentially as the amount paid increases, but as an example, it is set linearly so that the number of selectable individual option areas 73 increases by one for each fixed amount. In other words, a fixed amount is charged for the selection of one individual option area 73, and an amount obtained by multiplying the fixed amount for the multiple individual option areas 73 is charged for the selection of multiple individual option areas 73. For this reason, on the selection screen 70, after each individual option area 73 is selected, the individual option area 73 selected by the viewer is finalized by going through appropriate intermediate steps (processing) such as finalizing the selection and charging a fee corresponding to the selection.

[0055] Furthermore, the individual option area 73 selected on the selection screen 70 may be used only to determine the benefit condition, but may also be used appropriately for other purposes, for example. For example, such other purposes include designation of a spectating point. That is, the individual option area 73 selected on the selection screen 70 functions as a spectating point for the viewer who selected the individual option area 73. More specifically, the game video is displayed so as to reproduce the stadium as seen from the individual option area 73 selected on the selection screen 70. That is, the video area 61 on the viewing screen 60 displays the game video (game screen) corresponding to the stadium as seen from the individual option area 73 selected on the selection screen 70. In other words, the viewpoint (range of the viewing field) of the game video (game screen) displayed on the viewing screen 60 is switched according to the selection result on the selection screen 70.

[0056] In addition, when a plurality of individual option areas 73 are selected on the selection screen 70, the spectating point may be switched between the individual option areas 73 as appropriate through a predetermined priority order or the like, but as an example, any one of the individual option areas 73 selected by the viewer is set as the spectating point (in this case, each individual option area 73 may be set to a range of a spectator seat unit, or may be set independently). In the example of FIG. 5, the second individual option area 73 from the right end of the option area 72 and two above the bottom end (the individual option area 73 with a dot pattern) is touched. In this case, the game image corresponding to the stadium seen from this spectating point is displayed in the image area 61 of the viewing screen 60. The effect of the selection on the selection screen 70, in other words, the determination of the privilege condition (the effect of predicting the hit ball) and the spectating point may be applied, for example, to the unit of a player, to the unit of a turn at bat, or to the unit of an inning (it may be only the inning of the offensive team, or may be the inning of the front and back combined). In this way, the effect of the selection on the selection screen 70 may be applied to an appropriate range (unit), but as an example, it is applied to the unit of a game. In other words, once the effect of ball prediction is selected, it will continue (maintain) until the end of the game (changes to the selected individual option area 73 may be permitted). In this example, the dot-patterned individual option area 73 functions as both one option and a corresponding area of ​​the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a development event as a privilege condition. Specifically, the example of FIG. 6 shows an example of a viewing screen 60 when a home run occurs as a hit ball (development event) in the example of FIG. 4. As described above, the image area 61 may display a game image corresponding to a viewpoint from the individual option area 73 (in the case of multiple options, an appropriate one, etc.) selected on the selection screen 70. In the example of FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the game screen 50 (game image) viewed from the same viewpoint as in FIG. 4 is displayed in the image area 61. As shown in FIG. 6, a ball image 65 is added to the image area 61, as compared with the example of FIG. 4. More specifically, the ball image 65 is displayed so as to trace a trajectory 66 of a home run (hereinafter, may be referred to as a home run trajectory 66). Such a home run trajectory 66 (which may or may not be visually displayed) is generally formed so as to extend from the batting point of the batter character 63 to the outfield seats (home run area). As described above, various types of hits by the batter character 63 may occur as development events, but when a home run occurs, such a ball image 65 is displayed. In this case, appropriate exercises such as enlarged display of the ball image 65 may be added to the image area 61.

[0058] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between a batted ball and a bonus condition. Various batted balls, including a home run, occur in a stadium that produces a virtual three-dimensional space, and therefore occur three-dimensionally in the virtual three-dimensional space, such as the home run trajectory 66 shown in the example of FIG. 6. For this reason, each individual option area 73 may be set in an appropriate range of such a virtual three-dimensional space (including the ground). As a result, the bonus condition may be appropriately satisfied between such various individual option areas 73 and the batted ball. Specifically, if a net is provided in the stadium to prevent foul balls from entering the spectator seats (including the infield seats), appropriate individual option areas 73 may be provided on the net in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the individual option area 73 corresponding to the area of ​​the net where the foul ball hits may satisfy the bonus condition. Alternatively, appropriate individual option areas 73 may be provided above the ground, and among these individual option areas 73, for example, the individual option area 73 including the home run trajectory 66 in the example of FIG. 6 (the individual option area 73 through which the ball image 65 passed) may satisfy the bonus condition. Also, among the various trajectories of the ball, only the individual option area 73 (home run and various fouls including infield seats) in the spectator area 71B including the trajectory may be provided as an option to satisfy the privilege condition.

[0059] The relationship between the hit ball and the awarding of the bonus may be appropriately set as described above, but when the individual option area 73 is selected through the selection screen 70 in the example of FIG. 5, the individual option area 73 including the arrival position of the trajectory of the hit ball, such as the home run trajectory 66, satisfies the bonus condition. The example of FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the hit ball and the awarding of the bonus corresponding to the selection result of FIG. 5 in such a case. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in this case, when the arrival position of the hit ball is included in the individual option area 73 in the example of FIG. 5, in other words, when the arrival position of the hit ball and the selected individual option area 73 match, the bonus condition is satisfied. For example, when a home run similar to the example of FIG. 6 occurs, the ball image 65 draws the home run trajectory 66, but the arrival position of the ball image 65 (home run) is included in the individual option area (right-diagonal individual option area) 73 near the left side of the back screen BS. In this case, the individual option area 73 including this arrival position does not match the individual selection area (polka dot individual selection area) 73 in the example of FIG. 5. In this case, the bonus condition is not satisfied. In this example, the individual option area 73 with diagonal lines to the right functions as a part of the area of ​​the present invention.

[0060] On the other hand, for example, when a foul ball is hit into the outfield seats and follows a trajectory 68 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a foul trajectory 68), the arrival position of the ball image 65 following the foul trajectory 68 is included in the individual selection area (individual selection area with a dot pattern) 73 in the example of FIG. 5. In other words, the individual option area 73 including the arrival position of the foul trajectory 68 (foul ball) matches the individual selection area (individual selection area with a dot pattern) 73 in the example of FIG. 5 (its entirety is included in the individual option area 73 with a dot pattern). In this case, the bonus condition is met. Also, when two or more individual option areas 73 are selected in the selection opportunity, a similar determination (match, mismatch) is performed on those individual option areas. In other words, if the individual option area 73 corresponding to the arrival position is included in those two or more individual option areas 73, it is determined to be a match, and if not, it is determined to be a mismatch. In addition, when the dot-patterned individual option area 73 is selected in a selection opportunity by multiple viewers in a duplicated manner, only one of the multiple viewers, identified by appropriate conditions, may satisfy the bonus conditions, but as an example, all viewers satisfy the bonus conditions.

[0061] The benefit given when the benefit condition is satisfied may be the same between the case where the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity corresponds to the arrival position of the home run ball and the case where the individual option area 73 corresponds to the arrival position of the foul ball, but as an example, it is different. Specifically, when the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity corresponds to the arrival position of the home run ball, a benefit of higher value is given than when it corresponds to the arrival position of the foul ball. In other words, the benefit is given so that the value changes between the case where the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity corresponds to the arrival position of the home run ball and the case where the individual option area 73 corresponds to the arrival position of the foul ball. In this case, the same compensation may be set for the selection of the individual option area 73 corresponding to the foul ball and the selection of the individual option area 73 corresponding to the home run ball, but as an example, different compensation is set. In other words, different compensation is required depending on each individual option area 73 (in other words, the value of the benefit when the prediction is correct).

[0062] Furthermore, the arrival position of the batted ball is determined according to a predetermined rule as described above, but the probability that the ball image 65 will arrive at the individual option area 73 selected at the selection opportunity may be uniform or variable, and is set variably as an example. The probability may change appropriately depending on various change conditions such as the game play situation, the characteristics of the viewer (or the player P), the viewer's actions, or randomness. For example, the probability may change depending on the play situation such as a specific inning or a specific situation (for example, when in a pinch or when there is a chance). In this way, the probability may change appropriately depending on various change conditions, and as an example, an item that affects the probability is prepared, and the probability changes with the use of the item. This item may be for the viewer or for the player P, and is used by the viewer as an example. In other words, the change condition is satisfied with the viewer's action of using the item, and the probability that the ball image 65 will arrive at the selected individual option area 73 changes.

[0063] The change in the probability may be realized by a change to a predetermined rule, and is realized as a change in the arrival position, for example. Specifically, such a change in the probability occurs on the game screen 50 (or may be only the game image) as wind that affects the arrival position of the ball image 65 (corrects the deviation of the predetermined range). When the item is used, the arrival position is corrected as the effect of the wind so that the ball image 65 reaches the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity within the range of the predetermined range. In other words, when the viewer uses the item, the probability that the ball image 65 will reach the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity increases. The predetermined range may be set as appropriate, and is set as an example to a range of a predetermined number of individual option areas 73 located before, after, or to the left and right of the arrival position. Such an item (whose effect may be limited appropriately, such as only once or only for one inning) may be given to the viewer as appropriate, and is purchased in exchange for a predetermined value through an appropriate purchase screen, for example. As an example, such a relationship is set between the hit ball and the benefit condition. Then, a game feature of predicting the arrival position of a home run ball or a foul ball flying into the outfield seats is added to the viewing screen 60. The trajectory and arrival position of the batted ball may be determined as appropriate, and the item may have an appropriate effect according to the various determination methods. For example, the trajectory and arrival position of the batted ball may be determined by a physical calculation according to various conditions such as the initial speed and angle of the batted ball. In this case, the use of the item affects various conditions such as the wind, and the trajectory and arrival position of the batted ball may be determined based on various conditions after the use of the item, for example.

[0064] The bonus condition may be a position condition that is satisfied when the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity includes the arrival position of the ball image 65, or the bonus condition may be automatically satisfied when the position condition is satisfied, but may also include other requirements. As such a condition, for example, a number of times condition, a game condition, or other appropriate condition may be used. For example, the number of times condition is a condition that is satisfied when the number of times counted each time the position condition is satisfied exceeds a predetermined number (including both consecutive times and a cumulative total for a predetermined period). In other words, when the bonus condition includes the requirement of the number of times condition, the bonus condition is satisfied when the position condition is satisfied more than the predetermined number of times. On the other hand, the bonus condition is not satisfied when the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number. Specifically, for example, when the cumulative total of two times is adopted as the predetermined number of times, the bonus condition is not satisfied when the individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity and the arrival position of the ball image 65 match up to two times (equal to or less than the predetermined number of times), and when the match exceeds two times (the predetermined number of times), the bonus condition is satisfied.

[0065] On the other hand, the game condition is a condition that is satisfied depending on the result of the mini-game. In other words, when the bonus condition includes the game condition as a requirement, the mini-game is provided to the viewer, and it is determined whether or not the bonus condition is satisfied depending on the result of the mini-game. As such a mini-game, a suitable game such as roulette, a card game, a shooting game, etc. may be used, and as an example, a home run catch game is used. The home run catch game is a game in which a home run ball is caught by a character for catching operated by a viewer. When a position condition is satisfied, such a home run catch game is provided to a viewer who satisfies the position condition. More specifically, the home run catch game is provided to a viewer whose individual option area 73 selected in the selection opportunity matches the arrival position of the ball image 65, and when the character for catching catches the home run ball in this home run catch game, the bonus condition is satisfied. In other words, it is determined whether or not the bonus condition is satisfied depending on the result of the home run catch game.

[0066] When the benefit condition includes a number of times condition, etc. as a requirement, the benefit associated with the fulfillment of the position condition may or may not be granted. For example, when a benefit associated with the fulfillment of the position condition (for example, the provision of the above-mentioned mini-game may be interpreted as a benefit) is granted, the value of the benefit may change when the number of times condition, etc. is further fulfilled. In other words, the value of the benefit (including the difference in the benefit itself) may change appropriately between a case where only the position condition is fulfilled and a case where a further condition such as a number of times condition is fulfilled, including a case where the benefit is not granted (the value of the benefit is zero). In this way, when the benefit condition includes a number of times condition, etc. as a requirement, the benefit may be granted appropriately in combination with the further condition such as the number of times condition. As an example, the benefit is not granted when the position condition is fulfilled, and the benefit is granted only when the further condition such as the number of times condition is fulfilled. In other words, the benefit associated with the fulfillment of the position condition is not granted, and the benefit differs between a case where only the position condition is fulfilled and a case where a further condition such as a number of times condition is fulfilled depending on the presence or absence of the benefit.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen for a home run catch game. As shown in FIG. 8, a game screen 80 for a home run catch game (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a catch screen 80) is displayed on the monitor 46 of the user terminal device 4, and includes a catch field 81, a character 82 for catching, and a ball image 65. The catch field 81 is a field for catching the ball image 65. The character 82 for catching is a character that moves in response to the operation of the viewer. The character 82 for catching is movable within the range of the catch field 81. The ball image 65 is an image showing a batted ball (ball). The ball image 65 starts to be displayed appropriately on the catch screen 80, and falls into the catch field 81 so as to show the arrival position of the batted ball. The viewer is required to perform an operation to match the falling position (arrival position) with the position of the character 82 for catching.

[0068] The operation of the catching character 82 may be realized appropriately, for example, through a touch operation (for example, a touch operation on the catching character 82), or an operation unit for realizing such an operation (for example, arrows indicating the left / right and up / down directions in the example of FIG. 8) may be displayed and the operation may be realized by a touch operation on the operation unit. In either case, a bonus is awarded when the falling position (arrival position) of the ball image 65 matches the position of the catching character 82, and no bonus is awarded when they do not match. As an example, the following home run catching game is provided. The bonus conditions may include not only the position conditions but also various conditions (including combinations thereof) such as the game conditions or the number of times conditions described above, as well as other conditions.

[0069] Next, details of the area data RD will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the area data RD. The example of FIG. 9 shows area data RD in the case where the price required for selection differs depending on each individual option area 73. Furthermore, the selection result in the selection opportunity may be managed by appropriate data other than the area data RD, but the example of FIG. 9 shows the case where it is managed by the area data RD. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the area data RD includes an area record RDR for defining each individual option area 73. Furthermore, in order to realize such a definition, the area record RDR includes information such as "area ID", "details", "price", and "viewer ID".

[0070] The "area ID" is information indicating a unique area ID for each individual option area 73 in order to identify each individual option area 73. The "details" is information indicating details for defining (specifying) each individual option area 73. In the "details", for example, information such as coordinates (for example, coordinates of a center position) and range (including a form) on the selection screen 70 is described as detailed information (information defining each individual option area 73). The "compensation" is information indicating the amount of compensation (charge amount) required for selecting each individual option area 73. The "viewer ID" is information indicating a viewer ID unique to each viewer in order to identify each viewer (user). Each individual option area 73 (area ID) is associated with a viewer ID indicating the viewer who selected each individual option area 73. The viewer ID (for example, managed separately and uniquely through ID management data, etc.) may be acquired as appropriate, but as an example, registration or input is required when using a specific application for displaying the viewing screen 60. In the area record RDR, these pieces of information are recorded so as to be associated with each other. The region data RD is not limited to these pieces of information, and may manage appropriate information according to requirements of the form of each individual option region 73 to be managed, for example. Alternatively, some of these pieces of information may be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] Next, the area selection process, the benefit granting process, and the probability change process will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. The area selection process is a process for providing a selection opportunity. The example of Fig. 10 shows the area selection process when the selection opportunity is provided through the selection screen 70 of the example of Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 10, the process mainly executed by the control unit 41 (video control unit 43) of the user terminal device 4 is shown as the user terminal device 4, and the process mainly executed by the control unit 21 (Web service management unit 27) of the center server 2 is shown as the center server 2.

[0072] When a request is made to display the selection screen 70 (for example, the ball prediction icon 62 is touched), the user terminal device 4 starts the area selection process of Fig. 10 and first requests area data RD from the center server 2 (step S101). When a request for area data RD is made from the user terminal device 4, the center server 2 starts the area selection process of Fig. 10, acquires the request (step S201), and transmits the requested area data RD to the user terminal device 4 (step S202). Note that the area data RD may have been acquired from the center server 2 at an appropriate time in advance.

[0073] When the user terminal device 4 acquires the area data RD from the center server 2, it displays the selection screen 70 on the monitor 46 (step S102). That is, the user terminal device 4 provides a selection opportunity via the selection screen 70 (in other words, the center server 2 indirectly provides a selection opportunity via the user terminal device 4). When the range (shape) of each individual option area 73 changes according to the viewer's characteristic information or the like, the user terminal device 4 (or the center server 2) provides the selection screen 70 so that the range of each individual option area 73 changes according to such characteristic information or the like, but as an example, the selection screen 70 is provided so that each individual option area 73 is set uniformly as described above.

[0074] Next, the user terminal device 4 acquires the selection result on the selection screen 70 (step S103) and collects the fee corresponding to the selection result (step S104). A well-known process may be appropriately applied to collect the fee (billing). After collecting the fee, the user terminal device 4 transmits the selection result on the selection screen 70 to the center server 2 (step S105). However, if the fee cannot be collected in step S104 (billing has failed), the user terminal device 4 transmits information indicating failure of billing to the center server 2 as the selection result (or instead of the selection result). Then, after this transmission, the user terminal device 4 ends the current area selection process.

[0075] On the other hand, when the selection result is transmitted from the user terminal device 4, the center server 2 acquires the selection result (step S203). The center server 2 then updates the area data RD to reflect the selection result (step S204). Specifically, the center server 2 updates the information of the "viewer ID" in the area data RD so that the viewer is associated with the individual option area 73 selected by the viewer in the selection opportunity (selection screen 70). After this update, the center server 2 ends the current area selection process. As a result, a selection opportunity in the area selection service is realized by providing the selection screen 70. Note that if information indicating billing failure is transmitted from the user terminal device 4 as the selection result, the center server 2 may skip the process of step S204 and end the current area selection process.

[0076] The reward granting process is a process for granting a reward to a viewer based on a selection result at a selection opportunity. As described above, if a selection result at a selection opportunity satisfies a position condition, a viewer who selects the selection result is given the right to obtain a reward. However, there are cases where further conditions such as a number of times condition are required for the actual granting of a reward. In other words, there are cases where the reward condition includes a further condition, and the fulfillment of the further condition is required for the granting of a reward. The example of FIG. 11 shows a reward granting process in which the reward condition includes a position condition and a game condition. In addition, as described above, the same reward may be uniformly granted regardless of the individual option area 73 that satisfies the position condition, but the example of FIG. 11 shows a reward granting process in which different rewards are granted depending on the individual option area 73 that satisfies the position condition.

[0077] In the above case, the Web service management unit 27 starts the bonus granting process of Fig. 11 every time a hit ball (development event) occurs in a game of each game machine 3, and first determines a winning individual option area 73 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a winning area 73) based on the hit ball (step S301). The winning area 73 may be appropriately determined based on the trajectory of the hit ball, but as an example, as described above, the arrival position of the ball's trajectory is used to determine the winning area 73. For this reason, the Web service management unit 27 determines the arrival position of the ball, and determines the individual option area 73 including the arrival position (strictly speaking, the expected arrival position because, as an example, it is determined based on a predetermined rule a predetermined time before the actual arrival) as the winning area 73.

[0078] Next, the Web service management unit 27 determines whether or not the location condition is satisfied (step S302). The location condition is satisfied when the individual option area 73 selected by the viewer in the selection opportunity (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the selected area 73) matches the winning area 73 as described above. For this reason, the Web service management unit 27 determines whether or not the selected area 73 matches the winning area 73 (if there are multiple selected areas 73, whether or not they include a winning area). Then, if the selected area 73 does not match the winning area 73, that is, if the location condition is not satisfied, the Web service management unit 27 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current bonus granting processing. In this case, no bonus is granted to the viewer.

[0079] On the other hand, when the selected area 73 and the hit area 73 match, that is, when the position condition is satisfied, the Web service management unit 27 provides a mini-game (step S303). Specifically, the Web service management unit 27 provides a home run catch game as a mini-game, for example, through the catch screen 80. The Web service management unit 27 may provide such a mini-game indirectly through the user terminal device 4. In other words, the Web service management unit 27 may provide the mini-game by instructing the user terminal device 4 to provide the mini-game.

[0080] Next, the Web service management unit 27 judges whether the game conditions are satisfied based on the play status of the mini-game (for example, whether the predetermined number of times has been exceeded in the case of the number of times condition) (step S304). For example, in the case of the home run catch game, the game conditions are satisfied when the landing position of the batted ball and the position of the catching character 82 match as described above (the range of matching may be set to an appropriate range in which it can be considered that the batted ball is caught by the catching character 82). Therefore, in the case of the home run catch game, the Web service management unit 27 judges whether the landing position of the batted ball and the position of the catching character 82 match. Then, if the landing position of the batted ball and the position of the catching character 82 do not match, that is, if the game conditions are not satisfied, the Web service management unit 27 also skips the subsequent processing and ends the current bonus granting processing. In this case, the viewer is not granted a bonus.

[0081] On the other hand, when the landing position of the batted ball coincides with the position of the catching character 82, that is, when the game conditions are satisfied, the Web service management unit 27 determines the benefit to be given to the viewer (step S305). The benefit may change appropriately according to various conditions, but as an example, it changes according to the individual option area 73 corresponding to the hit area 73 as described above. Specifically, for example, when the benefit differs between a home run area (home run) and a foul area (foul), the benefit changes according to the attribute of the hit area 73, such as whether the hit area 73 belongs to a home run area or a foul area. Therefore, in this case, the Web service management unit 27 determines whether the hit area 73 belongs to a home run area or a foul area, and determines the benefit to be given to the viewer according to the area to which the hit area 73 belongs (the attribute of the hit area 73).

[0082] Next, the Web service management unit 27 grants the privilege determined in step S305 to the viewer (step S306). The granting of the privilege may be realized appropriately according to the contents of the privilege to be granted. For example, as the privilege, an autographed ball, a spectator ticket (a viewing ticket if the viewing of the game video is charged), various discount tickets, or a ticket for performing cheering actions, etc., may be appropriately used as the privilege, and an appropriate electronic or physical privilege (input of delivery address information is separately required in the case of a physical privilege). Therefore, the granting of the privilege may be realized appropriately according to the characteristics of these privileges, and, for example, when an electronic privilege is granted, the privilege is granted by updating data for managing the possession of the privilege. Then, after such granting, the Web service management unit 27 ends the current privilege granting process. As a result, the privilege is granted according to the selection result in the selection opportunity. More specifically, a mini-game is provided if the selection result satisfies the position condition, and the privilege is granted according to the result of the mini-game. That is, the portion of the granting of the privilege in the area selection service is realized.

[0083] The probability change process is a process for changing the probability that the position condition is satisfied. The probability that the position condition is satisfied may be changed as appropriate according to various change conditions, but the example of FIG. 12 shows a probability change process in which the probability is increased by changing the arrival position of the ball within a predetermined range with the use of an item. In addition, the change in the arrival position occurs with the use of a predetermined item as described above as an example, but such an item may be used at an appropriate timing. For example, the item may be used after the ball is hit (before it reaches the arrival position), but the example of FIG. 12 shows a probability change process in which it is used in advance (before the ball is hit). In this case, the Web service management unit 27 starts the probability change process of FIG. 12 every time the ball is hit while the effect of the item remains after its use, and first determines the arrival position of the ball (step S401). The arrival position is determined based on a predetermined rule a predetermined time before the actual arrival, similar to the determination of the winning area 73 in the bonus granting process (or information on the expected arrival position calculated in a similar manner may be obtained from the game machine 3).

[0084] Next, the Web service management unit 27 changes the arrival position determined in step S401 (step S402). Specifically, the Web service management unit 27 changes the planned arrival position so as to approach the selected area 73 by a predetermined range (a predetermined number of individual option areas 73). That is, a shift is generated in the planned arrival position as an effect of the item so as to approach the selected area 73. Furthermore, if the selected area 73 is included in the predetermined range, the Web service management unit 27 changes the arrival position to the selected area 73. As a result, the Web service management unit 27 changes the probability that the position condition is satisfied through such a change in the arrival position. Furthermore, this change may be directly realized by the Web service management unit 27 by controlling the game screen 50 of the game machine 3, but is realized by, as an example, issuing an instruction to execute this change. That is, the Web service management unit 27 realizes this change indirectly. Furthermore, this change may be accompanied by an appropriate effect for changing the arrival position, such as a wind effect. After this change, the Web service management unit 27 ends the current probability change process.

[0085] 12, the landing position of the ball is changed within a predetermined range. Therefore, the position condition is satisfied not only when the hit area 73 corresponds to the selected area 73, but also when it is included in the predetermined range. In other words, the application range of the position condition is expanded to a predetermined range based on the selected area 73. As a result, the probability that the position condition is satisfied increases compared to when the application range of the position condition is limited to the selected area 73 only.

[0086] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a home run or a foul ball (hit ball) occurs, a hit area 73 corresponding to the landing position of the hit ball is determined according to a predetermined rule so as to be associated with any one of a plurality of individual option areas 73 set in the outfield seats of a baseball game. Then, when the hit area 73 matches the area 73 selected in the selection opportunity, a home run catch game is provided, and when the ball is caught in the home run catch game, a bonus is given to the viewer. Therefore, through these hit areas 73 and the provision of a bonus based thereon, a game element of predicting the landing position of the hit ball can be added to the selection in the selection opportunity. This can improve the interest of the selection in the selection opportunity. Furthermore, when the prediction is correct, a home run catch game is provided, and a bonus is further given depending on the playing situation there, so that the profit of the viewer can be improved through such a home run catch game or bonus. These can promote selection in the selection opportunity.

[0087] Also, the probability of a home run occurring during a game is generally lower than that of a foul (the opposite is true from the viewpoint of the effect on the outcome of the match), but if the value of the award changes between when the hit area 73 is a home run area and when it is a foul area, that is, if the value of the award changes according to the attribute of the hit area 73, such a possibility can be reflected in the value of the award. This makes it possible to relatively guarantee fairness compared to a case where such a difference in possibility is not reflected and a uniform award is given.

[0088] On the other hand, when the selection of multiple individual option areas 73 during a selection opportunity is permitted depending on the amount charged, the amount charged can be reflected in the probability that the position condition is satisfied. Therefore, like the case where the range of each individual option area 73 changes depending on the amount charged, it is possible to give preferential treatment to viewers who charge a large amount (specific viewers).

[0089] Furthermore, when the bonus condition includes a further condition in addition to the position condition, the entertainment value of the game added to the selection opportunity can be improved. For example, when the game condition is used as the further condition as described above, an appropriate mini-game such as a home run catch game is provided in response to the fulfillment of the position condition, and a bonus is awarded according to the game result of the mini-game. As a result, the entertainment value of playing such a mini-game can be added to the game added to the selection opportunity. This can improve the entertainment value of the game added to the selection opportunity.

[0090] Furthermore, the selection opportunity is provided via the user terminal device 4 as a part of the area selection service. As a result, the above-mentioned selection opportunity can be provided to the viewers watching the game video. This can improve the interest of watching the game video, and thus promote the viewing. In addition, if an item that affects the landing position of the batted ball is prepared for such viewers, the viewers can be involved in the game play situation through the use of such an item. As a result, for example, a batted ball that would not normally be a home run may become a home run, and the viewers can influence (interfere with) the outcome of the game. In this case, the interest of the game element added to the selection opportunity can be improved.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the Web service management unit 27 of the center server 2 functions as the area determination means, the benefit provision means, the condition determination means, and the mini-game provision means of the present invention by executing the benefit provision process of Fig. 11. Specifically, the Web service management unit 27 functions as the area determination means by executing the process of step S301 of Fig. 11, as the benefit provision means by executing the process of step S306 of Fig. 11, as the condition determination means by executing the process of step S304 of Fig. 11, and as the mini-game provision means by executing the process of step S303 of Fig. 11. In addition, the Web service management unit 27 of the center server 2 functions as the opportunity provision means of the present invention by indirectly providing the selection screen 70 via the user terminal device 4 through the process of step S202 of Fig. 10. In addition, the Web service management unit 27 of the center server 2 functions as the probability change means of the present invention by executing the process of step S402 of Fig. 12.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be embodied in an appropriate modified or altered form. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the selection opportunity is provided to the viewer of the game video via the user terminal device 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the above-described selection opportunity may be provided to the player P playing the game via the game machine 3.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, the selection screen 70 of the example of FIG. 5 is shown. In other words, through the selection screen 70 of the example of FIG. 5, the option area 72 is set in a stadium image 71 obtained by photographing the stadium from above in a planar manner. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The option area 72 (each individual option area 73) may be set in an appropriate area included in the stadium image 71 (which may be an appropriate part or all of the game screen 50, and may include, for example, the outside of the stadium image 71, i.e., the outside of the arena). For example, as described above, the option area 72 may be set in the sky above the ground area 71A. In this case, the selection screen 70 may be configured to select each individual option area 73 set in the sky above such ground area 71A.

[0094] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the selection screen 70 for selecting each individual option area 73 set above the ground area 71A, that is, a selection screen 70S according to a modified example. Specifically, the example of FIG. 13 shows a selection screen 70S showing the sky in a range corresponding to the cross section about the XIII-XIII line in the example of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 13, in the selection screen 70S according to the modified example, option areas 72 are set above the ground area 71A and the spectator area 71B, and each option area 73 included therein is selected. In addition, in the example of FIG. 13, a ball image 65 and a home run trajectory 66 are shown for convenience of explanation. In this case, as an example, each individual option area 73 including the ball image 65 and the home run trajectory 66 (each individual option area 73 shown by right diagonal lines in the example of FIG. 13) satisfies the bonus condition.

[0095] The selection screen 70S according to the modified example may be provided to correspond to an appropriate range of the sky. For example, the selection screen 70S according to the modified example may be provided to set the option area 72 at each predetermined angle centered on a predetermined position such as the home base. The appropriate range is not limited to each predetermined angle. For example, when the sky above the ground area 71A and the spectator area 71B is divided into a grid by each individual option area 73 having a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped shape, the option screen 70S may be provided to select each individual option area 73 for each of various units of such a grid. In other words, the sky above the ground area 71A and the spectator area 71B (or either one of them) may be divided by each individual option area 73 having various three-dimensional shapes, and the option screen 70S may be configured to select each such individual option area 73 within an appropriate range. Specifically, for example, the option screen 70S may be set up to correspond to a fixed range, such as the range corresponding to line XIII-XIII in the example of Figure 5, and the selection results thereon may be applied to similar heights in the entire range, such as the entire angle centered on a specified position such as home base (which may be a partial angle within the fairground, etc.).

[0096] Similarly, all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-described embodiment may be appropriately executed by other systems (or devices) such as the local system, the game machine 3, or the user terminal device 4. In other words, the game system of the present invention may include various other systems as appropriate. On the other hand, only the center server 2 may function as the game system of the present invention, or only other appropriate systems such as the local system, the game machine 3, or the user terminal device 4 may function as the game system of the present invention.

[0097] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings are written in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

[0098] The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options (73) corresponding to a plurality of areas (73) included in a game screen (50) of a game played through the game screen (50) displayed on a display device (36), and is equipped with an area determination means (27) that, when an event occurs in the game according to a predetermined rule so as to be associated with a portion of the plurality of areas (the individual option area 73 with diagonal lines to the right in the example of Figure 7), determines the portion of the area associated with the event, and a bonus granting means that grants a bonus to the user when the portion of the area is included in a corresponding area (the individual option area 73 with a dot pattern in the example of Figure 5) that corresponds to the at least one option selected in the selection opportunity.

[0099] According to the present invention, when an event occurs according to a predetermined rule so as to be associated with a part of a plurality of areas, the part of the area associated with the event is determined, and a bonus is awarded if the part of the area is included in the corresponding area. Therefore, through the determination of the part of the area and the awarding of a bonus based thereon, a game element of predicting the part of the area associated with the event can be added to the selection in the selection opportunity. This can improve the interest of the selection in the selection opportunity. In addition, when the part of the area is included in the corresponding area, in other words, when the prediction is correct, a bonus is awarded, so that the profit of the user (the person who selects in the selection opportunity) can also be improved through the bonus. These can promote selection in the selection opportunity.

[0100] The term "included" in "when the partial area is included in a corresponding area that corresponds to the at least one option selected in the selection opportunity" includes both cases where the corresponding area includes a further part of the partial area and cases where the corresponding area includes the entire partial area. In addition, when the corresponding area includes the entire partial area, it not only includes cases where the corresponding area is larger than the partial area (for example, when the partial area is one and the corresponding area is two or more areas that include the one area), but also cases where the partial area and the corresponding area are identical (for example, when both are one area and they are identical).

[0101] As long as an event occurs in a manner associated with a partial area of ​​the game screen, various games may be provided as appropriate. For example, various games such as action games, shooting games, simulation games, role-playing games, or sports games may be provided as appropriate as games in a game system. Then, appropriate events may occur in a manner associated with a partial area according to the game. For example, when an action game is configured as a fighting game, a knockout in the fighting game and the location of the knockout, or a specific technique such as a special move and the location where the specific technique occurs may function as an event and a partial area, respectively. Similarly, when a sports game is configured as a ball game such as tennis, a ball that flies out of the court and the location where the ball hits, or a serve and the location where the serve is made, and the trajectory of the ball may function as an event and a partial area, respectively. The same applies to other games. Therefore, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when a baseball game including a pitcher (64) throwing a ball (65) and a batter (63) hitting the ball thrown by the pitcher as a batted ball is provided as the game through the game screen, the area determination means may determine, as the part of the area, an area including a trajectory (66) drawn by the batted ball on the game screen, so that the batted ball occurring in the baseball game functions as the event.

[0102] The multiple regions may be appropriately set on the game screen. For example, when a hit ball functions as an event in a baseball game, the game screen often includes, for example, a baseball ground and spectator seats for watching baseball, and the multiple regions may be set in an appropriate range such as both the ground and the spectator seats, or either one of them. Also, when the game screen is displayed so as to produce a virtual three-dimensional space, the multiple regions may be set in an appropriate place in such a virtual three-dimensional space. Similarly, an appropriate region including the trajectory of the hit ball may function as a partial region. For example, of the trajectory of the hit ball, not only the arrival position of the hit ball but also an appropriate region through which the hit ball passes until the arrival position may function as a partial region. For this reason, for example, when a fly ball is hit as a hit ball, the multiple regions may be set in the air (space) above the ground along which the fly ball follows its trajectory.

[0103] Specifically, for example, in an aspect of the present invention in which a baseball game is provided, when the game screen includes a ground area (71A) where the batter and the pitcher play baseball and a spectator area (71B) set as spectator stands for watching the baseball game, the area discrimination means may discriminate the spectator area including the trajectory as the part of the area. Also, in this aspect, when the arrival position of the batted ball is the spectator area, the area discrimination means may discriminate an area of ​​the spectator area including the arrival position as the part of the area.

[0104] In addition, various kinds of benefits may be appropriately used as a benefit when a part of the area is included in the corresponding area. For example, the benefit may be a physical object or an electronic object. Alternatively, it may be an intangible object such as various rights. In addition, such a benefit may be uniform regardless of the part of the area, the user, or the playing situation, or may change depending on them. For example, a user who uses the selection opportunity frequently may be given a benefit with a higher value than a user who uses the selection opportunity less frequently. Alternatively, a benefit with a higher value than usual may be given when an event occurs in a specific inning or situation (such as a pinch or chance). Furthermore, the value of a benefit may change depending on the attribute of the part of the area. Specifically, for example, in an aspect in which a baseball game is provided, the benefit giving means may give the benefit to the user such that the value changes between when the part of the area corresponds to the home run area and when the part of the area corresponds to the foul area when a home run area corresponding to a home run in baseball and a foul area corresponding to a foul are included in the spectator area. The probability of a home run occurring during a game is lower than that of a foul (in terms of the impact on the outcome of the game), but in this case, such a probability can be reflected in the value of the bonus. This makes it possible to relatively guarantee fairness.

[0105] Moreover, the above-mentioned benefit may be unconditionally granted when a part of the area is included in the corresponding area, or may be granted when a further condition is met. When a further condition is required, various conditions may be appropriately adopted as such a condition. For example, a condition that is satisfied when the number of times (including both consecutive and cumulative) that a part of the area is included in the corresponding area exceeds a predetermined number of times, a condition that uses the game play situation, etc. may be used as such a condition. Moreover, a benefit may be granted only when the further condition is satisfied, or a benefit may be granted when a part of the area is included in the corresponding area, and a benefit with a higher value than the benefit may be granted when the further condition is satisfied. In other words, a benefit condition that appropriately includes these conditions as requirements is used as a condition for granting a benefit, and the value of the benefit may change appropriately between a case where the benefit condition is satisfied and a case where the benefit is not granted, including a case where the benefit is not granted.

[0106] Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a condition determining means (27) for determining whether or not the user satisfies a benefit condition when the partial area is included in the corresponding area may be provided, and the benefit providing means may change the benefit between a case where the benefit condition is satisfied and a case where the benefit condition is not satisfied. In this aspect, the condition determining means may determine that the benefit condition is satisfied when the number of times counted each time the partial area is included in the corresponding area exceeds a predetermined number, and that the benefit condition is not satisfied when the number of times is equal to or less than the predetermined number, respectively, and the benefit providing means may change the benefit so that the benefit differs between a case where the benefit condition is satisfied and a case where the benefit condition is not satisfied depending on the presence or absence of the benefit by providing the benefit only when the benefit condition is satisfied. Alternatively, as an aspect of using the benefit condition, a mini-game providing means (27) for providing the user with a mini-game when the partial area is included in the corresponding area may be provided, and the condition determining means may determine whether or not the benefit condition is satisfied depending on the result of the mini-game. In these cases, the interest of the game added to the selection opportunity can be improved.

[0107] The range of each of the multiple areas may be set appropriately. For example, the range of each area may be uniform (fixed) regardless of the game play situation, the user's characteristics, etc., or may change (variable) depending on the play situation, etc. For example, the form of each area, such as the shape and size, may change during a specific period or in a specific play situation (such as a pinch or chance), and as a result, the range may change. Similarly, the range of each area may change depending on the user's characteristics, such as various attributes such as gender and age, or various achievements such as game play history and viewing history. Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, an aspect may be adopted in which an opportunity providing means (27) is provided to provide the user with the selection opportunity so that the range of the area corresponding to each option changes depending on characteristic information related to the user's characteristics. In this case, the range of each area can be changed depending on the user's characteristics. In general, the wider the range of an area, the higher the probability that an event will occur there. For this reason, for example, in the case of a user who frequently uses selection opportunities, the range of each area can be made wider than usual to give preferential treatment to that user. In other words, the user can be given preferential or unfavorable treatment by changing the range of each area. As a result, such preferential treatment can encourage people to take advantage of choice opportunities.

[0108] Furthermore, while a game event occurs according to a predetermined rule, the probability of the event occurring so that a part of the area is included in the corresponding area may be fixed or variable. For example, the probability may change according to various change conditions such as the play situation, the characteristics of the user (or the game player), the user's action, or randomness. For example, the use of a predetermined item may be adopted as the user's action. That is, an item that affects the probability of the event occurring so that a part of the area is included in the corresponding area may be prepared, and when the item is used, the change condition may be satisfied and the probability may change. Furthermore, this change may occur according to a predetermined rule so as to affect the probability, or may occur in the area in which the event occurs after the area is specified according to the predetermined rule. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, an aspect may be adopted in which a probability change means (27) is provided that changes the probability of the event occurring so that the part of the area is included in the corresponding area when the user satisfies the change condition. This can improve the interest of the game properties added to the selection opportunities.

[0109] The selection opportunity may be provided to a user (player) playing the game, or, for example, when the game play status is distributed, to a user (viewer) watching the distribution. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when a game video in which the game screen is recorded is distributed to a user terminal device (4) connected via a network (NT), the selection opportunity may be provided to a viewer watching the game video via the user terminal device, and the viewer may function as the user. In this case, the above-mentioned selection opportunity can be provided to the viewer watching the game video. This can increase the interest of watching the game video, and can further promote the viewing. In this case, the game system does not need to provide a game.

[0110] On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (21) connected to the display device to function as each of the means of the game system described above.

[0111] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention causes a computer (21) incorporated in a game system (1) that provides a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of a plurality of options (73) corresponding to a plurality of areas (73) included in a game screen (50) of a game played through the game screen (50) displayed on a display device (36), to execute an area determination step of determining, when an event occurs in the game according to a predetermined rule so as to be associated with a portion of the plurality of areas (individual option area 73 with diagonal lines to the right in the example of FIG. 7), the portion of the area associated with the event, and a bonus granting step of granting a bonus to the user when the portion of the area is included in a corresponding area (individual option area 73 with a dot pattern in the example of FIG. 5) that corresponds to the at least one option selected in the selection opportunity. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the game system of the present invention can be realized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Game System 2. Central server 4 User terminal equipment 21 Control unit (computer) 27 Web service management unit (area determination means, bonus granting means, condition determination means, mini-game providing means, opportunity providing means, probability changing means) 50 Game Screen 63 Batter character (batter) 64 Pitcher character (pitcher) 65 ball images (ball, shot) 73 Individual Choice Area (Area, Choice) 71A Ground Area 71B Spectator area NT Network PG1 Server program (computer program)

Claims

[Claim 1] A game screen display means for displaying a game screen of a baseball game including a batter hitting a ball thrown by a pitcher on a game field; an area setting means for setting a plurality of areas within a range in which the ball may reach in the game field; providing means for providing a user with a selection opportunity to select at least one of the plurality of regions; a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus to the user when the area selected in the selection opportunity includes a position where the ball will land; A game system comprising:

Images