System, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a novel system for a viewer of a moving image to participate in a live-distributed game.SOLUTION: A method executes: a game control step (S100) of controlling progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing prescribed processing, in response to satisfying conditions including identifying a plurality of types of game media to make a prescribed combination; a distribution control step (S304) of live-distributing a moving image indicating the game under progress to a viewing terminal; a viewing user game media identification step (S310) of identifying at least one of game media constituting the prescribed combination based on an operation by the viewing user; and a moving image identification screen display control step (S302) of causing the viewing terminal to display a moving image identification operator for receiving an instruction for identifying a moving image to be reproduced in the viewing terminal, and a moving image identification screen including combination event information on a combination event in a game corresponding to the moving image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for broadcasting live video of gameplay. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, in live gameplay video distribution, there are some live broadcasts where the players playing the broadcast game and the viewers watching the broadcast video can enjoy the live broadcast while communicating with each other. The viewers can feel like they are supporting the broadcaster by giving advice on how to beat the game in text or audio to the broadcaster playing the game, which is one of the attractions of live gameplay distribution for the viewers.

[0003] There are also technologies in which the viewer's operations directly affect the game of the distributed video. Such technologies can give the viewer a stronger sense of supporting the distributor. For example, there are technologies in which the viewer can send items that can be used in the game to the distributor playing the game by performing specific operations while watching. Such a mechanism directly affects the distributor's gameplay, giving a strong sense of support, and is one of the factors that liven up live gameplay distribution. For example, JP 2020-167606 A describes a viewing program in which a user watching a live game video distribution sends an item that affects the distributor's game, and the items that can be sent can be switched depending on the part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-167606 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of providing viewers with information that can be used as a basis for selecting live streaming videos to watch. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide viewers with information that can be used as a new basis for selecting live streaming videos to watch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a game control unit that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of conditions including the fact that at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are identified to be a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification unit that identifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and watches the video; a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal; and a video identification screen display control unit that causes the viewing terminal to display a video identification screen including combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes a game control step of controlling progress of a game including execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are identified to be a predetermined combination; a distribution control step of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step of identifying at least one of the game media that constitutes the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and watches the video; and a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video identification screen display control step of displaying on the viewing terminal a video identification screen including combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes one or more computers to execute a game control step of controlling the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including the identification of at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step of identifying at least one of the game media that constitutes the predetermined combination based on the operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and watches the video; and a video identification screen display control step of displaying on the viewing terminal a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video identification screen that includes combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide viewers with information that will serve as new information for selecting live streaming videos to watch. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a game server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of game user information shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an event definition table shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a distribution server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution service user information shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of viewing history information shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of game service information shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a distribution video management table shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of an occurring event management table shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a game terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a viewing terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the flow of a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the sending process shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the delivery process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16]15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the delivery process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the delivery process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the delivery process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 19] 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the delivery process shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 20] 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the selection process shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 21] 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a moving image specifying screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition setting screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition setting screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [Embodiment 1] The system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. The system 1 is a system that live-streams a video showing a game. Here, live streaming refers to video streaming in which the video can be viewed while the video is being streamed, and may be real-time streaming, for example.

[0012] <System 1 Configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a game server 10, a distribution server 30, a game terminal 50, and a viewing terminal 70. These devices are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, but is not limited to this. Note that the number of each of the game server 10, the game terminal 50, and the viewing terminal 70 may be one or more.

[0013] The game server 10 is a device that progresses a game by executing a game program. Note that a part of the game program may be executed by another device (for example, the game terminal 50, etc.) different from the game server 10. The game server 10 progresses a game using a game medium based on an operation of a game player. The system 1 may include a plurality of game servers 10 that progress different types of games. The distribution server 30 is a device that provides a distribution service that live-distributes a video showing a game. The game terminal 50 is a terminal that can play a game progressed by the game server 10, and accepts an operation to play the game from a game player. In addition, the game terminal 50 can live-distribute a video showing a game being played via the distribution server 30. The viewing terminal 70 is a terminal that can view the live-distributed video. A user that uses the viewing terminal 70 (hereinafter also referred to as a user of the viewing terminal 70) may be a viewing user who watches the live-distributed video, or may be a user who does not watch the video. The viewing terminal 70 accepts an operation to select a video live-distributed from a game player from the user of the viewing terminal 70. Furthermore, the viewing terminal 70 accepts operations from the viewing user to support the game player who is the distributor. In the following, when there is no particular distinction between the game player, the user of the viewing terminal 70, and the viewing user, they may simply be referred to as "users."

[0014] Note that the same user may act as a game player when using game terminal 50, and as a viewing user when using viewing terminal 70. However, a game player and a viewing user who watches a video being live-streamed by the game player are different users. Furthermore, game terminal 50 and viewing terminal 70 may be configured by the same physical device, or may be configured by different devices.

[0015] (Game Server 10 Hardware Configuration) 1, the game server 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication interface 13. These components are connected via a bus 19.

[0016] The processor 11 controls each part of the game server 10 by executing a program stored in the memory 12. The processor 11 is configured by an integrated circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), for example.

[0017] The memory 12 stores programs executed by the processor 11 and various data used by the processor 11. The memory 12 is configured, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a combination of these. Note that a part or all of the memory 12 is not limited to being built into the game server 10, and may be externally attached via an input / output interface (not shown) such as a universal serial bus (USB). Also, a part or all of the memory 12 may be connected to the game server 10 via a network as a device independent of the game server 10.

[0018] The communication interface 13 is an interface for connecting to the network NW. The communication interface 13 is, for example, configured by a wired connection interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless connection interface such as WiFi (registered trademark).

[0019] (Hardware configuration of distribution server 30) 1, the distribution server 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a memory 32, and a communication interface 33. These components are connected via a bus 39. The processor 31, the memory 32, and the communication interface 33 will be described in the same manner as the components of the same names provided in the game server 10, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0020] (Hardware configuration of game terminal 50) 1, a game terminal 50 includes, for example, a processor 51, a memory 52, a communication interface 53, an input device 54, and an output device 55. These components are connected via a bus 59.

[0021] The processor 51, the memory 52, and the communication interface 53 will be described in the same manner as the components of the same name that the distribution server 30 has, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. The input device 54 is a device that accepts an operation by a game player, and is configured, for example, by a controller, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a microphone, or a combination of these. The output device 55 includes a display device, and is configured, for example, by a display. The output device 55 may also include an audio output device such as a speaker. One or both of the input device 54 and the output device 55 are not limited to being built into the game terminal 50, and may be connected to the outside as a peripheral device. Hereinafter, inputting information (or accepting an operation) via the input device 54 of the game terminal 50 is also simply referred to as "inputting information" (or "accepting an operation"), etc. Displaying information on a display device included in the output device 55 of the game terminal 50 is also simply referred to as "displaying", etc.

[0022] (Hardware configuration of the viewing terminal 70) As shown in FIG. 1, the viewing terminal 70 includes, for example, a processor 71, a memory 72, a communication interface 73, an input device 74, and an output device 75. These components are connected via a bus 79. These components will be described in the same manner as the components of the same name provided in the game terminal 50, and detailed description will not be repeated. Hereinafter, inputting information (or accepting an operation) via the input device 74 of the viewing terminal 70 is also simply referred to as "inputting information" (or "accepting an operation"), etc. Also, displaying information on a display device included in the output device 75 of the viewing terminal 70 is also simply referred to as "displaying", etc.

[0023] (Functional configuration of game server 10) Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game server 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the game server 10 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 130. The control unit 110 is realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the memory 12. The storage unit 130 is configured by the memory 12.

[0024] The control unit 110 includes a game control unit 111 and a combination image display control unit 112. The storage unit 130 stores game user information and an event definition table. The game control unit 111 controls the progress of the game, including the execution of a combination event in which a predetermined process is executed in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least a part of a plurality of types of game media among the game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination. The game media specified to be a predetermined combination may be made to be in a state where the game media is not owned by the game player or viewing user who specified the game media (i.e., the game media may be consumed), or may remain owned by the game player or viewing user. When the specified game media is left owned by the game player or viewing user, the game media may be made unavailable for use by the game player or viewing user during the execution of the combination event. In this embodiment, a mode in which the specified game media is consumed will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, a mode in which the condition includes that at least a part of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are game media specified based on the operation of the viewing user described later. In other words, the condition includes that at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are game media identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30. The game media identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 are game media identified based on an operation of the viewing user while watching a video showing a game in which the combination event is occurring. Details of the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 will be described later. Note that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the condition may include that "each game medium constituting the predetermined combination may be identified by either the game player or the viewing user" (for example, the condition may be that "at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are identifiable by the viewing user, but all may be identified by the game user").

[0025] Here, "game media" refers to in-game media used in a game. For example, game media may be game objects such as characters appearing in the game or character cards corresponding to characters, various items used in the game (for example, items that exert a predetermined effect when equipped to a character), or in-game value (for example, in-game currency, points to be exchanged for items). Also, for example, game media is a unit that can be owned by a user. An ownable unit is, for example, the smallest unit when consumed or identified as a candidate game medium described below.

[0026] Additionally, various occurrences occurring in a game are referred to as "events," and a "combination event" refers to an event that executes a predetermined process in response to the satisfaction of conditions that include the satisfaction of a predetermined combination of multiple types of game media. The combined game media may be any of the game media described above.

[0027] Furthermore, the "predetermined process executed in response to a condition being satisfied" is a process executed in response to a condition being satisfied, including the game media being specified to form a predetermined combination. Details of the "condition" will be described later. The content of the "predetermined process" may be associated with the predetermined combination, or may be associated with the progress of the game, the viewing status of the video, etc. If the predetermined process is a process associated with a predetermined combination, game players and viewing users can enjoy the process according to the predetermined combination during a combination event.

[0028] Specific examples of the predetermined process include (i) a process that brings about an advantageous effect in the progress of the game, and (ii) a process that is not related to an advantage or disadvantage in the progress of the game. (i) Examples of the process that brings about an effective effect in the process of the game include a process that gives a predetermined game medium to a game player who is progressing through the game, and a process that gives an advantageous effect to the game player by improving or modifying the status. Examples of the predetermined game medium given to the game player include game media that have a greater effect than any of the game media constituting a predetermined combination when used alone (for example, a greater amount of damage inflicted on an enemy, a greater amount of recovery of damage to a character operated by the player and its ally characters, and a greater amount of increase in status). In addition, the game media may be game media that cannot be used alone but can be used by being combined, such as a bow, an arrow, and a string being given to the player by identifying the bow and arrow. When the predetermined process is a process that gives a predetermined game medium to the game player, the viewing user can be made to contribute to the game player acquiring the predetermined game medium.

[0029] Furthermore, the process of providing an advantageous effect to a game player by improving or modifying a status may be, for example, a process of directly recovering damage to a character operated by the player or to the character's allies, or increasing the status, without the intermediate of providing any game media.Furthermore, the process may be an effect such as preventing damage from an enemy for a certain period of time, stopping or slowing down the progression of time in a time-limited game, or providing a specific item in a scene where progress is impossible without the item (for example, providing a key in a scene where there is a door that requires a key).

[0030] In addition, (ii) processing that is not related to the advantage or disadvantage of the game progress includes, for example, changing the presentation within the game space. More specifically, examples of such processing include changing the appearance of the character operated by the game player, changing the sound it emits, changing the objects that make up the game stage, changing the design of the game space, etc.

[0031] Another specific example of the predetermined process is a process of identifying game media by lottery and awarding the game media to a player who is playing the game. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation among viewing users because it is not known which game media will be awarded to the player who is playing the game even if the conditions are met.

[0032] In the combination event, the conditions to be satisfied for executing the predetermined process include, as described above, that at least some of the game media used in the game be identified as a predetermined combination, and that at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are game media identified by the viewer user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30.

[0033] For example, the condition may include that the game media constituting the predetermined combination include a predetermined number or more of game media identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit 312. Here, the "predetermined number" may be a single number or a range such as "two or more." This allows the viewing user to easily recognize the number of game media that the viewing user needs to identify in order to satisfy the condition.

[0034] Furthermore, the condition may include an upper limit on the number of game media identified by one viewing user for game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit 312. Here, the "upper limit on the number" may be an upper limit on the number of game media of the same type, or an upper limit on the number of types (for example, one type is the upper limit for one viewing user, and no upper limit is set for the number of the type). The unit for counting the "number of game media of the same type" or the "number of types" for one viewing user may be the delivery unit of the video. Furthermore, the unit for counting may be a unit of a predetermined period (for example, one day, etc.). Furthermore, the timing for resetting the count may be set to a predetermined time (for example, 1:00 a.m.) or a predetermined period after the previous "upper limit on the number" was reached (for example, one hour later, etc.). This requires the support of more viewing users, and makes it possible to prevent the viewing users from feeling that participation in the event is monotonous.

[0035] In addition, the condition may include that the game contents constituting the predetermined combination are identified in a predetermined order, which requires the viewing user to always be aware of what they will need, thereby making it possible to prevent the viewing user from feeling that participating in the event is monotonous.

[0036] Furthermore, the game control unit 111 may start a combination event in response to a predetermined start condition being satisfied during the progress of the game. Here, the "start condition" refers to a condition for starting a combination event. This allows viewing users to participate in a game that is being live-streamed in response to a predetermined start condition being satisfied during the progress of the game. Note that the start of a combination event in response to the start condition being satisfied is also referred to as the occurrence of a combination event.

[0037] The start condition may include, for example, that a progress status indicating the progress of the game reaches a predetermined progress status. This allows the mode of support for the distributor to vary depending on the progress of the game, so that the viewing users can be motivated to continue watching the live broadcast of the game. Furthermore, the viewing users can support the game player while taking into consideration combination events that can occur depending on the game medium they own.

[0038] Here, "progress" refers to a situation that may change as the game progresses. Examples of progress include progression until a specific scene in the game is reached, the passage of time in the game, and the like. Examples of reaching a specific scene include the start of a specific stage, the arrival of a character controlled by a game player at a predetermined location in the game space (such as a specific checkpoint), and the progress of the game until a specific event occurs. Specific examples of the occurrence of a specific event include encountering a specific character (such as the appearance of a boss or the start of a battle), and the like.

[0039] The game control unit 111 may execute a combination event for providing game contents that are advantageous for the progress of each scene, depending on the scene. For example, the game control unit 111 may execute a combination event that allows an effective weapon to be synthesized according to an enemy character that has appeared.

[0040] Furthermore, the term "time in a game" refers to the concept of time set in the game space. For example, in a game, it is possible to set a time different from real time (day, night, time that progresses at a speed unique to the game, time that progresses according to the conditions in the game, etc.), and the progress status can be the progress status of time in the game. An example of the passage of "time that progresses according to the conditions in the game" is the passage of time according to the distance traveled by the operated character in the game field. Another example of the passage of "time that progresses according to the conditions in the game" is the passage of time when inputting instructions to the training character is completed.

[0041] Also, the start condition may include, for example, that the play result of the operation for progressing the game accepted from the game player is a predetermined play result. This allows the skill and knowledge of the game player to affect the execution of the combination event. Here, the "play result" is the result of the operation for progressing the game accepted from the game player. Examples of the play result include the result of an event, the result of challenging a task (e.g., a quest, a mission, etc.) given in the game, and the like. Examples of the event result include the result of a battle with an enemy character, and the like. Examples of the result of challenging a task given in the game include the result of acquiring game media specified in the task, and the like. Examples of the play result include the acquisition of predetermined game media regardless of the task as described above. Note that, depending on the play result, the game control unit 111 may not execute the combination event. For example, if the result of the battle with the enemy character is a loss, the game control unit 111 may not execute the combination event.

[0042] The start condition may also include, for example, that the setting information indicating at least a part of the content of the user information related to the game player and / or the content of the information associated by the game player with the game media used to progress in the game is a predetermined content. This allows the game player to adjust whether or not to execute a combination event based on his / her own user information. Here, "user information" refers to information about a user such as a game player or a viewing user. Examples of user information include user identification information, information indicating attributes, etc. Examples of the attributes include the game player's gender, nationality, residential area, birthplace, birthday, age, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the "setting information" is information indicating at least one of the contents of user information about the game player and the contents of information associated by the game player with the game medium. Examples of setting information indicating the contents of the user information of the game player include the gender, nationality, residential area, birthplace, birthday, age, etc. of the game player. For example, when the game is executed on a birthday, or when the gender is female and the game is executed on a specific day (e.g., March 3), a combination event may be executed at a specific timing (e.g., when the execution of the game is started on the specific day, and the combination event may be set to be executed at random timing, and the probability of execution may be increased throughout the specific day).

[0044] Furthermore, information associated with a game medium by a game player may include, for example, settings for a game character. Examples of the game character include a game character operated by the game player, a game character that assists in the progress of the game, etc. Examples of settings for a game character include equipment (e.g., weapons, armor, techniques, etc.) and costumes of the game character. For example, when a game player equips a sword to a game character operated by the game player, the execution of a combination event may be started.

[0045] Furthermore, the start condition may include, for example, the viewing status of the video becoming a predetermined viewing status. This allows the viewing user to feel more strongly that he or she is participating in the game. Here, the "viewing status of the video" refers to a status that may change as the video is played. Examples of the viewing status include the number of viewing users and an increase or decrease (e.g., an increase or decrease within a predetermined period of time and the degree of such an increase or decrease), viewing time, attributes of the viewing user, actions of the viewing user, etc.

[0046] The attributes of the viewing user are, for example, the same as the contents of the user information regarding the game player described above. In other words, the information indicating the viewing situation (viewing situation information) may include at least a part of the user information regarding the viewing user. The actions of the viewing user may include, for example, the presence or absence, number, and increase or decrease of comments sent by the viewing user (for example, increase or decrease within a specified period or the degree of such increase or decrease), the use of a specified game medium by the viewing user, etc.

[0047] Examples of start conditions based on viewing status include the number of viewing users reaching a predetermined number or more, the number of comments submitted by viewing users reaching a predetermined number or more, viewing time (e.g., total time of all viewing users, average time per person, etc.), the number of viewing users of the content of predetermined user identification information reaching a predetermined number or more, etc.

[0048] More specific examples include a predetermined number of viewing users of the same age group, a predetermined number of males and females, a predetermined number of viewing users in the same residential area, a predetermined number of types of countries of viewing users, etc. Furthermore, the system according to one aspect of the present invention may provide a communication function between viewing users. In this case, viewing users in the same country and viewing users in different countries can communicate with each other.

[0049] Furthermore, the start condition may include, for example, a time or duration that is a predetermined time or duration. This makes it easier for the number of viewing users to increase at the time or duration when the combination event is being executed. Here, "the time and duration in the start condition" refer to the actual time and duration, respectively. In an aspect in which the start condition includes a time that is a predetermined time, for example, a time range may be set (e.g., a range such as 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Furthermore, the time used in the start condition may be a time based on the area in which the game player resides, or a time based on the area in which the viewing user resides.

[0050] Examples of the time include time related to the progress of the game and time related to live streaming. "Time related to the progress of the game" refers to real time that passes as the game progresses. Examples include the time that has passed since the game was started, the time that has passed since the game was first played, and the time that has passed since a predetermined operation was performed. Examples of the predetermined operation include an operation to start the game from stage 1, an operation to start a new game without using existing save data, and the like. Time related to live streaming refers to real time that passes in relation to live streaming. Examples include the time that has passed since the start of live streaming and the remaining time until the scheduled end of live streaming.

[0051] The start condition may include other conditions different from the above-mentioned conditions. Examples of the other conditions include a condition regarding the timing of starting the combination event. Examples of the condition regarding the start timing include a condition in which a lottery is drawn at a predetermined timing (e.g., every certain period) to determine whether or not to start the execution of the combination event, and the combination event is executed when the start is selected, a condition in which the execution of the combination event is started randomly while the game is in progress, and a condition in which the combination event is started immediately after another start condition is satisfied or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the other start condition was satisfied.

[0052] Also, one start condition may include multiple conditions. For example, a condition for drawing a lottery at a predetermined timing as to whether or not to start the execution of the combination event may be combined with a condition that the above-mentioned progress status reaches a predetermined progress status, and when both of these conditions are satisfied, the probability of winning by starting the execution of the combination event may be increased. Also, multiple types of start conditions may be set, and when multiple types of start conditions are satisfied simultaneously, the game control unit 111 may simultaneously execute multiple types of combination events corresponding to the respective start conditions.

[0053] The combination image display control unit 112 displays an image (hereinafter, also referred to as a combination image) showing the game media constituting the above-mentioned predetermined combination on the viewing terminal 70 that views the video distributed by the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30. For example, the combination image display control unit 112 generates a game image in which the combination image is superimposed on the game image generated by the game control unit 511, and displays the game image on the game terminal 50. As a result, the combination image is displayed on the viewing terminal 70 that views the video live-distributed from the game terminal 50. Note that the combination image display control unit 112 may be included in the distribution server 30 instead of or in addition to being included in the game server 10. In this case, the combination image display control unit 112 included in the distribution server 30 receives information for generating a combination image from the game server 10, and generates a combination image based on the received information. Furthermore, when included in the distribution server 30, the combination image display control unit 112 superimposes the generated combination image on the video distributed by the distribution control unit 311. As a result, the combination image is displayed on the viewing terminal 70.

[0054] Furthermore, the combination image display control unit 112 displays, among the game media required for the predetermined combination, game media that need to be identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 and game media that do not need to be identified in a distinguishable manner. This allows the viewing user to easily recognize which game media the viewing user needs to identify in order to satisfy the conditions. However, the game media required for the predetermined combination do not necessarily need to be displayed in a distinguishable manner as described above.

[0055] (Information stored in game server 10) The game user information and the event definition table stored in the storage unit 130 of the game server 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the game user information. The game user information is stored for each game player. The game user information shown in FIG. 3 shows information about one game player. The game user information may include, for example, a game user ID, a user name, a user level, a cleared stage, ownership information, and attribute information.

[0056] The game user ID is information for identifying a game player in a game progressed by the game server 10. The user name is a name set for the game player. The user name is appropriately displayed as information indicating the game player on the game terminal 50 or the viewing terminal 70. The user level indicates the level of play of the game player in the game. For example, the higher the user level, the higher the level. For example, the user level may be a parameter that increases with the accumulation of the user's game play results, play time, etc. The cleared stage is an example of information indicating the progress of the game. In this example, the game is configured to clear multiple stages in order, and the cleared stage indicates the most recent stage cleared by the game player.

[0057] The ownership information indicates the game media owned by the game player and the number of game media owned. The game media indicated by the ownership information are available to the game player in the game. In this example, the "points," "bow," "string," "arrow," and "axe" included in the ownership information are examples of game media, each of which may be one of the game media identified in a combination event. The attribute information indicates the attributes of the game player. In this example, the attribute information includes information indicating the age, nationality, and gender. The attribute information may be referenced in a process of determining whether a start condition for a combination event is satisfied. The attribute information may also be referenced to perform sorting or filtering on a video identification screen, which will be described later.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event definition table. As shown in FIG. 4, the event definition table stores event definition information indicated by each row. The event definition information indicates a definition of a combination event that may occur in a game progressed by the game server 10. In the example of FIG. 4, information that defines a combination event (hereinafter also referred to as a synthesis event) that gives a game player a generated item (an example of a predetermined game medium) associated with a predetermined combination of synthesis materials (an example of a game medium) is illustrated as the event definition information. The combination event of this embodiment is a mode in which a single new game medium is synthesized from multiple game media, and therefore the combination event is also referred to as a "synthesis event."

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the event definition information includes information indicating an event ID, a generated item, a start condition, and a synthesis condition. The event ID is information for identifying the type of the synthetic event. In the following, a synthetic event with an event ID such as "E1" is also referred to as a synthetic event E1, etc. The start condition is an example of a condition that must be satisfied to start the synthetic event. The synthesis condition is an example of a condition that must be satisfied to grant a generated item to a game player in the synthetic event. The synthesis condition includes information indicating a plurality of synthetic materials and a viewing user item. In the example of FIG. 4, the synthesis condition includes two or more and four or less types of synthetic materials, but may include five or more types of synthetic materials. In addition, the viewing user item indicates a synthetic material that should be identified based on the operation of the viewing user among the plurality of synthetic materials included in the synthesis condition.

[0060] For example, a synthetic material placed in a game may be identified as a viewing user item by an operation of the viewing user. For example, a specific example is a treasure chest storing synthetic materials placed in a game, and the viewing user performs an operation to open the treasure chest, thereby identifying the synthetic material in the treasure chest as the viewing user item. In addition, for example, a synthetic material owned by the viewing user may be identified as a viewing user item by an operation of the viewing user. For example, a specific example is a synthetic material owned by the viewing user is identified as a viewing user item by an operation to send the synthetic material owned by the viewing user to a game player.

[0061] In the following, an example will be mainly described in which a synthesis material owned by a viewing user is specified as a viewing user item by an operation of the viewing user. In addition, specifying a synthesis material based on an operation of the viewing user is also referred to as "the viewing user sends the synthesis material to the game player." In this way, since a synthesis material to be specified as a viewing user item among the synthesis materials is determined, cooperation of the viewing user is necessarily required to achieve the synthesis condition. This can motivate the viewing user to support the distributor, and the video can be made more exciting. Note that, among the synthesis materials, a synthesis material that must be owned by the game player in advance may be determined. This requires cooperation between the game player and the viewing user to achieve the synthesis condition, and the video can be made more exciting.

[0062] For example, in the synthesis event E1, among the synthesis materials 1 to 3 included in the synthesis condition, the synthesis materials 2 and 3 are defined as viewing user items. The synthesis material 1 must be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in the synthesis event E2, among the synthesis materials 1 to 2 included in the synthesis condition, the synthesis material 1 is defined as a viewing user item. The synthesis material 2 must be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in the synthesis event E3, it is defined that any two or more of the synthesis materials 1 to 4 included in the synthesis condition are viewing user items. In this case, all four may be viewing user items, or any one or two may be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in the synthesis event E4, any two of the synthesis materials 1 to 4 included in the synthesis condition are defined as viewing user items. In this case, unlike the synthesis event E3, the game player must own any two of them. Also, for example, in the synthesis event E6, it is defined that any one or more of the synthesis materials 1 to 3 included in the synthesis condition are viewing user items, and that they are specified in the order of synthesis material 1, synthesis material 2, and synthesis material 3.

[0063] For example, the start conditions of the combined events E1 to E3 (e.g., "Boss A appears") are an example of a start condition where the progress status becomes a predetermined progress status. The start conditions of the combined events E4 to E6 (e.g., "Defeat the final boss once") are an example of a start condition where the play result becomes a predetermined play result. The start conditions of the combined events E7 to E9 (e.g., "Equip a wand") are an example of a start condition where the setting information associated with the game medium by the game player is a predetermined content. The start conditions of the combined events E10 to E12 (e.g., "There are five or more viewing users") are an example of a start condition where the viewing status of the video becomes a predetermined viewing status. The start conditions of the combined events E13 to E15 (e.g., "7 p.m.") are an example of a start condition where the time becomes a predetermined time. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, there may be a combined event in which a start condition that refers to attribute information of the game player is set. For example, there may be a start condition where there are five or more viewing users from a country different from the country of the game user. In the example of FIG. 4, a composite event with a defined start condition is illustrated, but there may be a composite event that does not have a defined start condition and is held continuously throughout the game.

[0064] Also, for example, in the synthesis events E1 to E15, it is determined that a generated item such as a "bow and arrow" is given to the game player in response to the synthesis condition being satisfied. The generated item "bow and arrow" is, for example, an item effective against boss A in "appearance of boss A", which is the start condition of the synthesis event E1. In this way, when the start condition includes "the progress status becomes a predetermined progress status" (for example, synthesis events E1 to E3), the generated item may be an item that gives an advantage to the progress of the game in the predetermined progress status. Also, when the start condition includes "the play result becomes a predetermined play result" (for example, synthesis events E4 to E6), the generated item may be an item that gives an advantage to the progress of the game in the play result. Also, when the start condition includes "the setting information associated with the game medium by the game player is predetermined content" (for example, synthesis events E7 to E9), the generated item may be an item that gives an advantage to the progress of the game when the setting information is predetermined content.

[0065] (Functional configuration of distribution server 30) Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of distribution server 30. As shown in Fig. 5, distribution server 30 includes a control unit 310 and a storage unit 330. Control unit 310 is realized by processor 31 executing a program stored in memory 32. Storage unit 330 is configured by memory 32.

[0066] Control unit 310 includes a distribution control unit 311, a viewing user game medium identification unit 312, a video identification screen display control unit 313, a priority display control unit 314, and a viewing request instruction receiving unit 315. Storage unit 330 stores distribution service user information, viewing history information, game service information, a distributed video management table, and a occurring event management table.

[0067] The distribution control unit 311 live-distributes a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal 70 for viewing the video. For example, the game in progress is a game in progress on a game terminal 50. The video showing the game in progress may be received, for example, from the game terminal 50, or may be received from a distribution terminal (not shown) connected to the game terminal 50. In this embodiment, the video showing the game in progress is received from the game terminal 50.

[0068] The viewing user game medium identification unit 312 identifies at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of a viewing terminal and who is viewing the above-mentioned video. For example, the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 may identify at least some of the game media owned by a viewing user who is viewing the video showing the above-mentioned game as at least one of the game media constituting the above-mentioned predetermined combination based on an operation of the viewing user. This allows the viewing user to participate in a live-streamed game using the game medium he or she owns. For example, the viewing user needs to consider which game medium to send to make the predetermined combination. Therefore, compared to a technology that simply sends game media to a game player, this increases the desire to participate in the game.

[0069] The video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the viewing terminal 70 to display a video identification screen including a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify a video to be played on the viewing terminal 70 and combination event information related to combination events in a game corresponding to the video. This makes it possible to provide the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch with information that will be a new basis for making a decision when selecting a video being live-streamed.

[0070] Here, the "combined event information" refers to information related to a combined event. An example of the combined event information is progress status information that indicates the progress status of the combined event.

[0071] "Progress status" refers to a status that may change as the combination event progresses, and "progress status information" refers to information that indicates the progress status. Examples of progress status information include achievement status information that indicates the status of achievement of a condition, and information that indicates the time remaining until the time limit. "Achievement status" refers to a status that may change as the combination event progresses, and refers to the degree to which a condition has been achieved, and "achievement status information" refers to information that indicates the status of achievement.

[0072] The video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the progress status information to be displayed on the video identification screen, thereby providing the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to view with information on the progress status of the combination event. Also, the video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the achievement status information to be displayed on the video identification screen, thereby providing the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to view with information on the achievement status of the combination event.

[0073] Examples of the achievement status information include information indicating unspecified game media that are not specified as game media that constitute a predetermined combination among game media required for the predetermined combination, information indicating missing game media that are not owned by the game player or the viewing user who is viewing the video, information indicating game media that have already been specified as game media that constitute a combination, and information that quantifies the degree of achievement of a condition. When the achievement status information includes information indicating game media that have already been specified as game media that constitute a combination, the video identification screen display control unit 313 may display only the specified game media. Examples of quantified information include information that quantifies the current percentage of achievement when the achievement of a condition is set to 100%, such as "25%" if four game media are required to achieve a condition and one game medium has been specified. When the quantified information is displayed, an image based on a numerical value, such as a bar graph, may be used.

[0074] In a mode in which the video identification screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays information indicating an unidentified game medium and information indicating game media other than the unidentified game medium among the game media required for the specified combination, the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch can be provided with game media that has not yet been identified in a combination event as a basis for making a decision.

[0075] In addition, in a mode in which the video specific screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays information indicating the missing game medium and information indicating game medium other than the missing game medium among the game medium required for the specified combination, a user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to watch can check in advance, when selecting a video to watch, which video to select in order to receive support based on the missing game medium.

[0076] Furthermore, the combination event information may include information other than the progress status information, such as information indicating that a combination event has occurred, information indicating at least some of the game media required for a predetermined combination, information indicating the viewing terminal user-owned game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the specific video screen is being displayed among the game media required for the predetermined combination, information indicating the content of a predetermined process that is executed upon satisfaction of a condition, and if a time limit is set for achieving the condition of the combination event, the set time.

[0077] In a mode in which the video specific screen display control unit 313 displays "information indicating at least a portion of the game media required for a specified combination," the game media required for the combination can be provided as a basis for decision-making to a user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch during a combination event.

[0078] In addition, in a mode in which the video specific screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays the game media owned by the viewing terminal user and information indicating game media other than the game media owned by the viewing terminal user among the game media required for the specified combination, the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch can check in advance, when selecting a video to watch, which video to select in order to receive support based on the game media owned by the user. Furthermore, the combined event information exemplified above may be a combination of multiple types.

[0079] For example, in an aspect in which the combination event information includes information indicating at least a portion of the game media that make up a specified combination and also includes information indicating the game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, it is possible to increase the motivation of non-viewing users who own the corresponding game media to watch the video.

[0080] In addition, in a configuration in which the combination event information includes information indicating an unspecified game medium and also includes information indicating a game medium owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, it is possible to increase the motivation of non-viewing users who own the corresponding game medium to watch the video.

[0081] The combined event information may be generated by either the game server 10 or the distribution server 30. For example, a part of the combined event information may be generated by the game server 10, and the combined event information may be generated by the distribution server 30 by further combining information such as the ownership status of game media of the user of the viewing terminal 70 described above with the part of the combined event information.

[0082] Moreover, a "video identification operator" is an operator that receives an instruction to identify a video. The operator is, for example, displayed on the screen in a manner that allows the operation position to be identified. For example, an image of a part of a video showing a game, the name of the game, the name of the game player, etc. may be displayed on the video identification operator. Furthermore, combination event information may be displayed on the corresponding video identification operator. Furthermore, the video identification screen may display a list of multiple video identification operators, each corresponding to an individual video. This allows a user who has not yet viewed the video to select a video that he or she wishes to view from the list.

[0083] Furthermore, the video identification screen display control unit 313 may display information indicating the number of times that the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed has identified game media constituting a predetermined combination in a combination event that has been previously executed by the game player who is progressing through the game corresponding to the video and that the game control unit 111 has executed. This makes it possible to provide the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to view with information on which game player support has been provided in a combination event and how many times such support has been provided in the past, as information for selecting a video.

[0084] The priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to preferentially display at least some of the video identification operators on the video identification screen from among a plurality of video identification operators, in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed. Furthermore, when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying a video identification operator corresponding to a game in which a combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to preferentially display the video identification operator. In response to the instruction, the video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the viewing terminal 70 to preferentially display the video identification operator. This improves the convenience of the user interface for identifying a video to be viewed.

[0085] Here, the priority display control unit 314 is a functional block that controls at least some of the multiple video specifying operators to be displayed preferentially based on the operation of the user of the viewing terminal 70. Displaying with priority can include, for example, rearranging the video specifying operators to be displayed so that a predetermined video specifying operator is displayed at the top (sorting), displaying only the video specifying operator to be displayed with priority among the video specifying operators to be displayed, and not displaying the other video specifying operators (filtering), and the like.

[0086] Furthermore, when the operation of the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed is an operation for preferentially displaying a game in which a combination event required for a specific game medium to satisfy a condition is being executed among games corresponding to multiple video identification operators, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to preferentially display the video identification operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed in response to the instruction. The video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display the video identification operator in response to the instruction. This makes it easier to select a video to be viewed based on the game medium required for the combination event.

[0087] The viewing request instruction receiving unit 315 receives a viewing request instruction from a game player who is progressing through a game, requesting a user of a specific viewing terminal 70 to view a video showing the game. The video identification screen display control unit 313 displays information indicating the viewing request to the user, together with a video identification operator corresponding to the video. This allows the game player to encourage the specific user to view the video. The user of the viewing terminal 70 can easily find the video that they are requested to view.

[0088] (Information stored in distribution server 30) The distribution service user information, viewing history information, game service information, distribution video management table, and occurring event management table stored in the storage unit 330 of the distribution server 30 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution service user information. The distribution service user information is stored for each user (hereinafter, also referred to as a distribution service user) who uses the distribution service provided by the distribution server 30. The distribution service user information shown in FIG. 6 indicates information about one distribution service user. For example, the distribution service user information may include a distribution service usage ID, a user name, ownership information, friends, favorites, and attribute information.

[0089] The distribution service usage ID is information that identifies a distribution service user. Here, the distribution service user is a game player who live-streams a video showing the game being played, or a viewing user who views the video. In other words, in order for a game player to live-stream a video showing the game being played, not only a game user ID but also a distribution service usage ID is required. A viewing user can view a video showing a game even without a game user ID, as long as they have a distribution service usage ID. The user name is a name set for the distribution service user. The user name is appropriately displayed on game terminal 50 or viewing terminal 70 as information identifying the distribution service user.

[0090] The ownership information indicates the game media that the distribution service user can transmit as a viewing user item and the number of game media that the distribution service user owns. The ownership information also includes information indicating the type of game in which the game media can be used. In this example, the ownership information includes two game media "bows" that can be used in game A. The game media included in the ownership information may be shared among multiple types of games. For example, in this example, the ownership information includes 20 game media "diamonds" that can be sent to game players in both games A and B. In this embodiment, when the distribution service user plays a game as a game player, the game media indicated by the ownership information included in the distribution service user information cannot be used in playing the game. In addition, when the distribution service user watches a live distribution of a game as a viewing user, if the distribution service user also has a game user ID, the distribution service user cannot transmit the game media indicated by the ownership information included in the game user information as a viewing user item.

[0091] The friends indicate the IDs of one or more other distribution service users who have a friend relationship with the distribution service user. The favorites indicate the IDs of one or more other distribution service users who are followed by the distribution service user. The attribute information indicates the attributes of the distribution service user. In this example, the attribute information includes information indicating age, nationality, and gender, respectively. Each of the friends, favorites, and attribute information may be referenced in a process of determining whether or not a start condition for a composite event is satisfied. In addition, each of the friends, favorites, and attribute information may be referenced to perform sorting or filtering on a video identification screen described later.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of viewing history information. The viewing history information is stored for each distribution service user. The viewing history information shown in FIG. 7 shows history information of a video showing a live-streamed game viewed by a certain distribution service user as a viewing user. The viewing history information may include information about the live stream currently being viewed. The viewing history information includes information indicating the viewing date and time, a distribution ID, and a viewing user item. The information indicating the viewing user item includes the game media sent as a viewing user item while the video was being viewed and the number of pieces of the game media. According to the viewing history information shown in FIG. 7, this distribution service user is currently watching a video being live-streamed with a distribution ID "L1" as a viewing user, and has not sent a viewing user item at the present time. In addition, this distribution service user has previously watched videos with distribution IDs "L47" and "L120" as a viewing user. In addition, this distribution service user sent two arrows to the game player as a viewing user item while watching the video with distribution ID "L47", but did not send a viewing user item while watching the video with distribution ID "L120". Here, by referring to the distribution video management table described later, the game player who is the distributor can be identified from the distribution ID. Therefore, by referring to the viewing history information and the distribution video management table, it is possible to count the number of viewings by the viewing user in the past for each game player, and to count the number of viewing user items sent by the viewing user for each game player. The information thus collected may be referenced to perform sorting or filtering on the video identification screen described later.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of game service information. Each row in FIG. 8 indicates game service information. The game service information is information indicating the type of game progressed by the game server 10 capable of communicating with the distribution server 30, and includes a game name and a game ID in this example. The game name is the name of the game. The game ID is information that identifies the type of game. The distribution server 30 is capable of distributing a video showing a game type stored as game service information.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a distribution video management table. As shown in FIG. 9, the distribution video management table stores distribution video management information indicated by each row. The distribution video management information is information for managing videos that are live-streamed, and is created when live streaming starts. The distribution video management information may be deleted when live streaming ends, or may be stored as history. In this embodiment, the distribution video management information after live streaming ends is deleted from the distribution video management table and is stored separately as history. The distribution video management information stored separately as history is also referred to as "past distribution video management information" below. In this example, the distribution video management information includes information indicating a distribution ID, a distribution game, a viewing request destination, a game player (distributor), and a viewing user.

[0095] The distribution ID is information for identifying a live distribution, and is issued by the distribution server 30 when live distribution of a video showing a game is started. The distributed game is a game ID indicating the type of game to be live distributed. The information indicating the viewing request destination includes the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 who has been requested by the game player to view the video. The information indicating the viewing request destination may be updated during the live distribution of the video. The information indicating the game player (distributor) includes the game user ID, distribution service user ID, and user level of the distributor who is the game player. The information indicating the distributed game and the game player (distributor) is transmitted from the game terminal 50 when live distribution of the game is started.

[0096] The user level may be information obtained by converting a user level in a game into a common user level. For example, assume that user levels in game A are managed as numbers from 1 to 100, and common user levels are managed in three stages (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced) in distribution server 30. In this case, distribution server 30 may store in advance a conversion rule for converting the user level of game A into the common user level. For example, the conversion rule may be a rule for converting the ranges of user levels in game A (e.g., 1 to 25, 26 to 75, 76 to 100) into stages of common user levels (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced).

[0097] The information indicating the viewing users includes distribution service user IDs of one or more viewing users who are watching a video showing the game being live-streamed. The information indicating the viewing users is updated in real time during the live stream. In addition, past distribution video management information that is separately saved after the live stream ends may include information indicating viewing users who watched the live stream for a predetermined time or more or a predetermined ratio or more.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the occurring event management table. As shown in FIG. 10, the occurring event management table stores the occurring event management information indicated by each row. The occurring event management information includes information for acquiring the progress status of the combination event occurring in the game being live-streamed. The occurring event management information is created when the combination event occurs. The occurring event management information may be deleted when the combination event ends, or may be stored separately as a history. In this embodiment, the occurring event management information is deleted when the combination event ends. In the example of FIG. 10, the occurring event management information includes information indicating a broadcast ID, a occurring event ID, a remaining time, a synthesis condition, and an unspecified material (an example of an unspecified game medium). The broadcast ID indicates a live broadcast of a game in which the composite event occurs. The occurring event ID is information indicating the type of the occurring composite event, and indicates the event ID of the event definition information in which the composite event is defined. The remaining time indicates the remaining time when a time limit is set for the composite event. The remaining time is updated according to the elapsed time since the composite event occurred. Note that there are cases in which a time limit is not set. In such a case, the remaining time is not set. The synthesis conditions indicate the synthesis conditions of the synthesis event. The synthesis conditions are as described with reference to FIG. 4. The unspecified material indicates a synthesis material that has not yet been sent by any viewing user among the synthesis materials defined as viewing user items in the synthesis conditions of the synthesis event. By referring to the information indicating the unspecified material, it is possible to calculate an achievement status, which is an example of the progress status of the synthesis event.

[0099] In this example, in the game shown by the video being live-streamed with the distribution ID "L1", "Boss A has appeared", and therefore the synthesis event E1 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In addition, both synthesis material 2 "string" and synthesis material 3 "arrow", which are determined as viewing user items in this synthesis event E1, are unspecified materials that have not yet been sent. Note that information indicating unspecified materials is updated based on the viewing user items included in the synthesis conditions and the sending status by the viewing user. For example, in the game shown by the video being live-streamed with the distribution ID "L1", if synthesis material 2 "string" is sent by any viewing user, the unspecified material in the first row shown in FIG. 10 is updated from "string, arrow" to only "arrow".

[0100] (Functional configuration of game terminal 50) Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of game terminal 50. As shown in Fig. 11, game terminal 50 includes a control unit 510 and a storage unit 530. Control unit 510 is realized by processor 51 executing a program stored in memory 52. ​​Storage unit 530 is constituted by memory 52.

[0101] The control unit 510 includes a game control unit 511, a game UI unit 512, a video transmission unit 513, and a distribution UI unit 514. The storage unit 530 stores game user information. The "UI" of the game UI unit 512 refers to a user interface, and the user interface will also be referred to as "UI" below. The game user information is synchronized with the game user information of the game player using the game terminal 50, among the game user information stored in the game server 10. In an environment in which communication delay between the game terminal 50 and the game server 10 does not need to be taken into consideration, the storage unit 530 does not need to store the game user information. In this case, the control unit 510 may acquire information necessary for operation among the game user information by inquiring of the game server 10.

[0102] The game control unit 511 cooperates with the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 to progress the game based on the operation by the game player to play the game. The game UI unit 512 accepts the operation by the game player to play the game. The game UI unit 512 also displays the game image generated by the game control unit 511. The video transmission unit 513 generates a video in real time from the game image generated by the game control unit 511. The game control unit 511 also transmits the generated video to the distribution server 30. The distribution UI unit 514 accepts the operation of the game player to live-distribute the game in progress as a video based on the operation of the game player. The video transmission unit 513 and the distribution UI unit 514 may be realized as one of the functions of the game progressed by the game control unit 511, or may be realized as an application different from the game. The video transmission unit 513 and the distribution UI unit 514 may not necessarily be included in the game terminal 50, and may be included in a distribution terminal (not shown) connected to the game terminal 50.

[0103] (Functional configuration of the viewing terminal 70) Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the viewing terminal 70. As shown in Fig. 12, the viewing terminal 70 includes a control unit 710 and a storage unit 730. The control unit 710 is realized by the processor 71 executing a program stored in the memory 72. The storage unit 730 is constituted by the memory 72.

[0104] The control unit 710 includes a video playback unit 711 and a viewing UI unit 712. The storage unit 730 stores distribution service user information. The distribution service user information is synchronized with the distribution service user information of the viewing user who uses the viewing terminal 70, among the distribution service user information stored in the distribution server 30. In an environment where communication delays between the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution server 30 do not need to be taken into consideration, the storage unit 730 does not need to store the distribution service user information. In this case, the control unit 710 may acquire information necessary for operation from the distribution service user information by inquiring of the distribution server 30.

[0105] The video playback unit 711 plays and displays the video received from the distribution server 30. The viewing UI unit 712 displays a viewing UI for allowing the viewing user to participate in the game indicated by the video being viewed. The viewing UI includes, for example, a sending UI. The sending UI is a user interface for sending any of the game media owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item to the distributor of the video being viewed. The viewing UI may also include, for example, a communication UI. The communication UI is a user interface that enables communication during live distribution between the viewing user of the viewing terminal 70 and other viewing users and / or game players who are distributors. For example, the communication UI may be a UI for transmitting and receiving text messages (hereinafter also referred to as text chat) or a UI for transmitting and receiving voice messages (hereinafter also referred to as voice chat).

[0106] <System 1 Processing> The system 1 configured as above executes a method S1. FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the method S1. In the following description of the method S1, a composite event as exemplified in FIG. 7 is applied as a combination event. As described above, the composite event is an example of a combination event that provides a game player with a generated item (an example of a predetermined game medium) associated with a predetermined combination of composite materials (an example of a game medium). As shown in FIG. 13, the method S1 includes processes for starting a game and live distribution (steps S500 to S508, S100, S300 to S308, S702 to S704), and processes in response to the occurrence of a composite event (steps S102 to S114, S310).

[0107] (Processing to start games and live broadcasts) In step S500, the game UI unit 512 of the game terminal 50 accepts an operation to play the game by the game player. In addition, the game control unit 511 cooperates with the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 in response to the accepted operation to progress the game.

[0108] Step S100 is an example of a game control step. In step S100, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 cooperates with the game control unit 511 of the game terminal 50 to progress the game. Hereinafter, the game UI unit 512, the game control unit 511, and the game control unit 111 repeat the process of progressing the game according to the operation to be played in parallel with each step executed thereafter.

[0109] In step S502, distribution UI unit 514 of game terminal 50 accepts an operation to start live distribution of a video showing a game. Note that step S502 may be executed before S501. In other words, the game player may start playing the game and then start distribution, or may start the game after starting distribution.

[0110] In step S504, the video transmitting unit 513 transmits distribution information indicating the live distribution to be started to the distribution server 30. The distribution information includes the game user ID, distribution service user ID, and game ID of the game player.

[0111] In step S506, the video transmitting unit 513 generates a video in real time from the game image displayed on the game terminal 50. The video transmitting unit 513 also transmits the generated video to the distribution server 30. The video transmitting unit 513 repeats the process of generating a video showing the game and transmitting it to the distribution server 30 in parallel with each step executed thereafter.

[0112] In step S300, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 generates new distribution video management information based on the received distribution information, and adds it to the distribution video management table. For example, the distribution control unit 311 generates distribution video management information (for example, see the first line in FIG. 9) including the issued "L1" as a new distribution ID. The distribution control unit 311 also includes the game ID "A" included in the received distribution information in the new distribution video management information. The distribution control unit 311 also includes the game user ID "A88" and distribution service user ID "U99" included in the received distribution information in the new distribution video management information as information indicating the game player (distributor).

[0113] Step S302 is an example of a video specific screen display control step. In step S302, the system 1 executes a selection process for having the user of the viewing terminal 70 select one of the videos being live-streamed by referring to the distribution video management table. The selection process selects a video that the user of the viewing terminal 70 wishes to view. The selection process will be described in detail later.

[0114] Step S304 is an example of a distribution control step. In step S304, distribution control unit 311 of distribution server 30 transmits the video selected by the viewing user to viewing terminal 70 while receiving the video from game terminal 50. In step S702, video playback unit 711 of viewing terminal 70 plays and displays the video while receiving it from distribution server 30. Note that distribution control unit 311 may add necessary information (such as the name of the game player) to the video received from game terminal 50 and transmit it to viewing terminal 70. Distribution control unit 311 repeats the process of transmitting the video in parallel with each step executed thereafter. Also, video playback unit 711 repeats the process of playing the video in parallel with each step executed thereafter.

[0115] In step S306, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 adds information indicating that the viewing user is viewing the video to the viewing history information of the viewing user. For example, if the distribution ID of the video is "L1", the information shown in the first line of Fig. 7 is added to the viewing history information of the viewing user. Note that at the time viewing begins, the viewing user item field in the first line is "none", since the game medium has not yet been sent from this viewing user as a viewing user item.

[0116] In step S308, distribution control unit 311 of distribution server 30 relays messages exchanged between game terminal 50 and viewing terminal 70 using a communication UI (for example, text chat, voice chat, etc.).

[0117] In step S508, the distribution UI unit 514 of the game terminal 50 acquires a message input by the game player using the communication UI, and transmits the message to the distribution server 30. The distribution UI unit 514 also receives a message from the viewing user from the distribution server 30, and outputs the received message via the communication UI.

[0118] In step S704, the viewing UI unit 712 acquires a message input by the viewing user using the communication UI, and transmits the message to the distribution server 30. The viewing UI unit 712 also receives a message of the game player from the distribution server 30, and outputs the received message via the communication UI.

[0119] The operations of steps S308, S508, and S704 are not necessarily executed in this order, and may be executed in a different order, or partly or entirely in parallel. Furthermore, the operations of steps S308, S508, and S704 are appropriately executed in parallel with each of the steps executed thereafter.

[0120] (Processing in response to the occurrence of a synthetic event) As described in steps S500 and S100, the game progresses in response to the operation of the game player by the game terminal 50 and the game server 10. When a combined event occurs during the game, a process corresponding to the occurrence of the combined event is executed.

[0121] In step S102, the game control unit 111 determines whether or not the start condition for each combined event is satisfied by referring to an event definition table such as that shown in Fig. 4. If there is no combined event for which the start condition is satisfied (No in step S102), the game control unit 111 repeats step S102. If there is a combined event for which the start condition is satisfied (Yes in step S102), the game control unit 111 executes the combined event. "Executing the combined event" refers to executing steps S104 to S114.

[0122] In step S104, the game control unit 111 starts the combined event. For example, the game control unit 111 transmits start information indicating that the combined event has started to the distribution server 30. The start information may include, for example, the game user ID of the game player, an event ID indicating the type of the combined event to be started, a time limit, and information indicating the combination conditions.

[0123] Step S310 is an example of a viewing user game media identification step. In step S310, the system 1 executes a sending process for sending a viewing user item, which is one of the synthesis materials in the occurring synthesis event, from the viewing user to the game player. By the sending process, information indicating the viewing user item is transmitted from the distribution server 30 to the game server 10. The details of the sending process will be described later.

[0124] In step S108, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 judges whether or not the synthesis condition of the occurring synthesis event is satisfied by referring to the information indicating the viewing user item received from the distribution server 30. If it is judged that the synthesis condition is not satisfied (No in step S108), the next step S110 is executed.

[0125] In step S110, the game control unit 111 determines whether the combined event has ended. For example, if a time limit is set for the combined event, it may determine whether the time limit has been reached. However, the criteria for determining whether the combined event has ended are not limited to this. If it is determined that the combined event has not ended (No in step S110), the process from step S310 is repeated.

[0126] On the other hand, when it is determined that the synthesis condition is satisfied (Yes in step S108), the next step S112 is executed. In step S112, the game control unit 111 grants the generated item determined in the synthesis event to the game player. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 111 updates the possession information in the game user information of the game player to include the generated item. In addition, the game control unit 111 synchronizes the updated game user information with the game user information of the game terminal 50. This enables the game player to play the game using the generated item.

[0127] Next, in step S114, the game control unit 111 notifies the distribution server 30 that the combined event has ended. In response to the notification, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 deletes the occurring event management information related to the combined event from the occurring event management table. The distribution control unit 311 notifies the viewing terminal 70 that the combined event has ended. In response to the notification, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 may end the display of the sending UI. Note that the process of step S114 is also executed when it is determined in step S110 that the combined event has ended.

[0128] (Detailed flow of sending process) Fig. 14 is a flow diagram showing a detailed flow of the sending process in step S310 in Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, the sending process S310 includes steps S540, S140 to S142, S340 to S348, and S740 to S744.

[0129] Step S140 is an example of a combination image display control step. In step S140, the combination image display control unit 112 of the game server 10 generates an image showing a combination material determined in the occurring combination event (hereinafter, also referred to as a "composite material image"). In addition, the game control unit 111 transmits the composite material image to the game terminal 50 by including the composite material image in the game image.

[0130] In step S540, the game UI unit 512 of the game terminal 50 displays a game image including the composite material image. Furthermore, the video transmission unit 513 generates a video from the game image including the composite material image and transmits it to the distribution server 30. As described in step S304, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 continues to perform the process of receiving the video from the game terminal 50 and transmitting it to the viewing terminal 70. Furthermore, the video playback unit 711 of the viewing terminal 70 continues to perform the process of receiving the video from the distribution server 30 and playing it, as described in step S702. Thereby, in step S740, the video including the composite material image is played on the viewing terminal 70.

[0131] In step S340, in response to receiving the start information from the game server 10 in step S104, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 generates new occurring event management information based on the start information and adds it to the occurring event management table. For example, if the game user ID included in the start information is "A88", the distribution control unit 311 identifies the distribution ID "L1" of the live distribution distributed by the game player A88 by referring to the distribution video management table. Then, the distribution control unit 311 generates new occurring event management information including the distribution ID "L1" (for example, see the first row in FIG. 10). In addition, the distribution control unit 311 includes the event ID "E1" included in the received start information in the new occurring event management information. In addition, the distribution control unit 311 includes the time limit "3 minutes" included in the received start information as the remaining time in the new occurring event management information. Furthermore, the distribution control unit 311 includes the viewing user item "bow and arrow" defined in the synthesis condition included in the received start information as an "unspecified material" in the newly occurring event management information.

[0132] In step S342, the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 generates a sending UI for sending the viewing user item defined in the occurring combined event, and transmits the generated sending UI to the viewing terminal 70. The sending UI is generated based on the combined material defined in the occurring combined event, the viewing user's possession information, etc. In step S742, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the sending UI.

[0133] In step S744, the viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation to send the game medium owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item. In response to the operation, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits information indicating the viewing user item to the distribution server 30.

[0134] In step S344, the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 identifies the viewing user item by receiving information indicating the viewing user item from the viewing terminal 70. In step S346, the viewing user game medium identification unit 312 transmits the received information indicating the viewing user item to the game server 10. In step S142, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 receives the information indicating the viewing user item. The received information indicating the game medium is referenced in the above-mentioned step S108 for determining whether or not the composition condition is satisfied.

[0135] Also, in step S348, the control unit 310 updates the ownership information included in the distribution service user information of the viewing user by subtracting the number of game media identified as the viewing user item by one. Also, the control unit 310 adds information indicating that one viewing user item has been sent to the viewing history information of the viewing user. For example, assume that the sent viewing user item is "string" and the distribution ID of the video is "L1". In this case, in the first line of the viewing history information shown in FIG. 7, the viewing user item item is updated from "none" to "string x 1". Also, the control unit 310 deletes information indicating the game media sent as the viewing user item from information indicating the unspecified material in the generated event management information related to the composite event. In the example of FIG. 10, the generated event management information in the first line is updated from the unspecified material "string, arrow" to "arrow" in response to the sending of "string".

[0136] (Screen example for sending process) 15 is a diagram illustrating a screen example G1 displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in steps S740 to S744 of the sending process. The screen example G1 includes a video playback area G11, a sending UI area G12, and a communication UI area G13. The video playback area G11 is an area for playing a video showing a game in progress on the game terminal 50 and delivered from the game terminal 50 via the delivery server 30. The video playback area G11 includes game player information G111 and a composite material image G112.

[0137] The game player information G111 is information indicating a game player who is a distributor of the game. The game player information G111 may be information superimposed by the distribution server 30 on a video transmitted from the game terminal 50. In this example, the game player information G111 includes a user name of the game player. Here, the game player information G111 may be acquired by the distribution server 30 inquiring of the game server 10 using a game user ID included in the distributed video management information. In addition, the game player information G111 may be generated based on the distribution service user information using a distribution service user ID included in the distributed video management information. In this way, the distribution control unit 311 may generate the game player information G111 by referring to the distributed video management table, and transmit the game player information G111 to the viewing terminal 70 by superimposing it on the video. Note that the video playback area G11 may include any information added to the video by the distribution server 30, not limited to the game player information G111.

[0138] The composite material image G112 is an example of an "image showing game media constituting a predetermined combination." The composite material image G112 is an image generated by the combination image display control unit 112 of the game server 10. A video generated from a game image including the composite material image G112 is distributed from the game terminal 50 to the viewing terminal 70 via the distribution server 30. As a result, the composite material image G112 is displayed on the viewing terminal 70. In other words, the composite material image G112 shows a composite material determined in a composite event currently occurring in the game shown by the video being viewed.

[0139] In the example of FIG. 15, the synthesis material image G112 is an example of a display mode when the synthesis event E16 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. The synthesis material image G112 includes a "bow" icon G113, a "string" icon G114, and an "arrow" icon G115, which correspond to synthesis materials 1 to 3 in the synthesis event E16. In the synthesis event E16, if each game medium of these synthesis materials 1 to 3 that is not owned by the game player is sent by the viewing user, the synthesis condition is satisfied. The icons G113 to G115 constituting the synthesis material image G112 are displayed so that it is possible to distinguish whether or not they are owned by the game player. In this example, the game player owns a "bow" and a "string", but does not own an "arrow". Therefore, the "arrow" icon G115 is displayed in a light color tone indicating that it is not owned by the game player. The synthesis materials "bow" and "string" owned by the game player do not need to be sent by the viewing user. On the other hand, the synthesis material "arrow" that is not owned by the game player needs to be sent by the viewing user. In other words, by visually checking the composite material image G112, the viewing user can distinguish between the composite materials that need to be sent and the composite materials that do not need to be sent. Note that the display manner of each composite material that allows the game player to distinguish whether or not it is owned is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0140] In this example, the synthetic material image G112 does not include information that "sending at least one of the three synthetic materials is essential", but the screen example G1 may include the information that it is essential. Examples of including the information that it is essential include (1) including an icon of the synthetic material designated as the viewing user item in a specific display mode, and (2) displaying the remaining number of synthetic materials to be sent as the viewing user item. Specific examples of these will be described with reference to synthetic material images G112A (FIG. 16) and G112B (FIG. 17) described later.

[0141] The sending UI area G12 is an area that displays the sending UI. As described above, the sending UI is a UI for sending any of the synthesis materials owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item to the distributor of the video being viewed. The sending UI is generated by the viewing user game medium specification unit 312 of the distribution server 30, and is displayed by being transmitted to the viewing terminal 70. The sending UI includes sending buttons G121, G122, and G123. The sending buttons G121, G122, and G123 accept an operation to send each synthesis material in the occurring synthesis event. In the example of FIG. 15, the sending button G121 corresponds to the "bow" icon G113 and accepts an operation to send the "bow". The sending button G122 corresponds to the "string" icon G114 and accepts an operation to send the "string". The sending button G123 corresponds to the "arrow" icon G115 and accepts an operation to send the "arrow". In addition, each of the send buttons G121, G122, and G123 is displayed with the number of the synthesis material owned by the viewing user. When the number is "0", that is, when the viewing user does not own the synthesis material, the send button may be configured not to accept a send operation. In the example of FIG. 15, the viewing user owns three "arrows". Therefore, the send button G123 corresponding to the "arrows" is capable of accepting an operation. On the other hand, the viewing user does not own either a "bow" or a "string". Therefore, the send buttons G121 and G122 corresponding to the "bow" and the "string", respectively, may not be capable of accepting an operation. Note that instead of being unable to accept an operation, the send buttons G121 and G122 may be configured to display a purchase screen for the synthesis material not owned (in this example, a "bow" or a "string") depending on the operation.

[0142] The communication UI area G13 is an area for the viewing user "AAA" viewing this screen example G1 to communicate with other viewing users and / or game players who are distributors, and is a text chat area for exchanging text messages. In the example of FIG. 15, the communication UI area G13 includes messages G131 to G134. The message G131 is a message from another viewing user "BBB" to the game player "XXX". The message G131 is a content that informs the game player that the generated item "bow and arrow" to be synthesized in the currently occurring event is effective against the "enemy" currently being fought. In response to this, the game player "XXX" already owns a "bow". Therefore, the game player "XXX" has sent a message G132 requesting that other "string" and "arrows" necessary to satisfy the synthesis condition be sent. In response to this, the viewing user "BBB" owns a "string" and has performed an operation to send the "string" to the game player "XXX". The message G133 indicates that the viewing user "BBB" has sent a "string" to the game player "XXX". The synthesis material image G112 in FIG. 15 indicates the achievement status of the synthesis condition at the time when the message G133 was sent. In other words, the game player "XXX" owns a "bow" but does not own a "string" or an "arrow", and the viewing user "BBB" has sent the "string", and the only unspecified material remaining is the "arrow". Here, the viewing user "AAA" of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G1 is displayed owns an "arrow", which is an unspecified material. Therefore, the viewing user "AAA" has sent a message G134 indicating that the "arrow" will be sent to the game player "XXX". After this, the viewing user "AAA" operates the send button G123, and the "arrow" is sent to the game player "XXX" as a viewing user item.

[0143] In the above example, the communication UI area G13 has already been displayed in response to the start of viewing the live broadcast of the game (step S704). That is, in this embodiment, when viewing of the live broadcast is started, the video playback area G11 and the communication UI area G13 are displayed, and the sending UI area G12 is further displayed in response to the occurrence of a composite event. However, the display period of each area is not limited to this, and for example, the communication UI area G13 may be displayed in response to the occurrence of a composite event, similar to the sending UI area G12. Alternatively, the sending UI area G12 may be displayed in response to the start of viewing the live broadcast, similar to the communication UI area G13. In this case, during a period when a composite event is not occurring, the sending buttons G121 to G123 may not be able to accept operations. Also, during a period when a composite event is not occurring, the sending UI area G12 may include a list of game media that are owned by the viewing user and can be used as a composite material for some composite event, not limited to a composite material for a specific composite event.

[0144] (Screen example when viewing user item is specified) Here, the screen example G1 shown in FIG. 15 was an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a composite event in which a viewing user item is not particularly specified. In contrast to this, FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a screen example displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a composite event in which a composite material to be sent as a viewing user item is specified. Note that in FIG. 16, the illustration of the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 is omitted, and only the video playback area G11A is shown. The video playback area G11A includes a composite material image G112A in a display mode different from the composite material image G112. The points in which the composite material image G112A differs from the composite material image G112 will be described below. Other points will be described in the same way as the composite material image G112, so the details will not be repeated.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 16, the composite material image G112A shows an example of a display mode when the composite event E1 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In the composite event E1, two of the composite materials 1 to 3, the composite materials 2 and 3, are specified as viewing user items. The composite materials 2 and 3 specified as viewing user items need to be sent from the viewing user regardless of whether the game player owns them. Therefore, the icons G113A to G115A constituting the composite material image G112A are displayed so as to distinguish whether they are determined as viewing user items, and also so as to distinguish whether they have been specified. Note that a viewing user item being specified indicates that it has already been sent by the viewing user viewing the screen example G1 or another viewing user. In this example, the viewing user items, the "string" icon G114A and the "arrow" icon G115A corresponding to the composite materials 2 and 3, are surrounded by a thick frame indicating that they are specified as viewing user items. In addition, among the viewing user items, the "string" has already been specified, but the "arrow" is an unspecified material that has not yet been specified. Therefore, the icon G115A of the "arrow" is displayed in a light color tone indicating that it is an unspecified material. The "bow" which is not a viewing user item and the "string" which has already been specified as a viewing user item do not need to be sent by the viewing user. On the other hand, the "arrow" which is determined as a viewing user item and is an unspecified material needs to be sent by the viewing user. In other words, by visually checking the synthesis material image G112A, the viewing user can distinguish and recognize the synthesis material that needs to be sent and the synthesis material that does not need to be sent. Note that the display mode of each synthesis material that makes it possible to distinguish whether it is a viewing user item or not and whether it has already been specified as a viewing user item or not is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0146] (Screen example when the number of viewing user items is specified) FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a synthesis event in which the number of synthesis materials to be sent as viewing user items is specified. In FIG. 17, similarly to FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted. In FIG. 17, the video playback area G11B includes a synthesis material image G112B in a display mode different from both the synthesis material images G112 and G112A. The points in which the synthesis material image G112B differs from the synthesis material image G112 will be explained below. Other points will be explained in the same way as the synthesis material image G112, and therefore the details will not be repeated.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 17, the synthesis material image G112B shows an example of a display mode when the synthesis event E3 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In the synthesis event E3, it is specified that the number of the synthesis materials 1 to 4 to be sent as the viewing user items is two or more. Therefore, the icons G113B to G116B constituting the synthesis material image G112B are displayed so that it is possible to distinguish whether or not they have already been specified as the viewing user items. In addition, the synthesis material image G112B includes an image G117B indicating the remaining number to be sent as the viewing user items. In this example, the icon G115B indicating the synthesis material 3 "arrow" is surrounded by a thick frame indicating that it has been specified as the viewing user item. In addition, the image G117B includes the text "one more". In other words, at least one of the "bow", "arrow", and "flame" that have not yet been sent as the viewing user items needs to be sent from the viewing user. In this way, by visually checking the compositing material image G112B, the viewing user can distinguish and recognize compositing materials that need to be sent from compositing materials that do not need to be sent.

[0148] (Screen example when multiple synthetic events occur in parallel) Also, a plurality of composite events may occur in parallel. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 when a plurality of composite events occur in parallel. Note that, in FIG. 18, similarly to FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted. In FIG. 18, the video playback area G11C includes two composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2. The composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 are displayed in a different manner from the composite material images G112, G112A and G112B, respectively. The points where the composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 differ from the composite material image G112 will be explained below. Other points will be explained in the same manner as the composite material image G112, and therefore the details will not be repeated.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 18, the synthesis material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 show an example of a display mode when the synthesis events E8 and E9 shown in FIG. 4 are occurring. The start conditions of the synthesis events E8 and E9 are both "equip a sword". Therefore, the synthesis events E8 and E9 occur simultaneously. The synthesis material image G112C-1 includes a "sword" icon G113C-1, an "ice" icon G114C-1, a "snake" icon G115C-1, and a "salt" icon G116C-1, which correspond to the synthesis materials 1 to 4 defined in the synthesis event E8. Among these, the "ice" icon G114C-1 and the "salt" icon G116C-1 are displayed in a light color tone indicating that they are not owned by the game player. The synthesis material image G112C-2 also includes the "sword" icon G113C-2, the "gold stone" icon G114C-2, the "silver stone" icon G115C-2, and the "moon stone" icon G116C-2, which correspond to synthesis materials 1 to 4 determined in the synthesis event E9. Of these, the "silver stone" icon G115C-2 and the "moon stone" icon G116C-2 are displayed in a light color tone, indicating that they are not owned by the game player.

[0150] In addition, the synthesis material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 are displayed in a display manner that allows the generation items generated when the synthesis conditions are satisfied to be distinguished. Specifically, the synthesis material image G112C-1 includes the icon G117C-1 of the generation item "Devil's Sword". In addition, the synthesis material image G112C-2 includes the icon G117C-2 of the generation item "Wind Sword". This allows the viewing user to visually compare the synthesis materials and generation items that need to be sent in each of the multiple synthesis events occurring in parallel. Note that the display manner of the synthesis material images related to each of the multiple synthesis events occurring in parallel is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0151] In addition, the number of generation items that can be generated among multiple synthesis events occurring simultaneously may be unlimited, or the number that can be generated may be fixed. For example, when two synthesis events E8 and E9 occur simultaneously, the number that can be generated is set to 1. In this case, when the synthesis condition of one of the synthesis events E8 and E9 is satisfied and a generation item is generated, both synthesis events end. Also, assume that three or more synthesis events are occurring in parallel, and the number that can be generated is set to 2. In this case, the synthesis event that satisfies the synthesis condition generates a generation item in order, and the synthesis event ends. When the number of generated generation items reaches the number that can be generated, which is 2, all remaining synthesis events that have not yet satisfied the synthesis condition are terminated.

[0152] A case where a common synthesis material is included in multiple synthesis events occurring at the same time will be described. The common synthesis material may be used in one of the multiple synthesis events that can satisfy the synthesis condition, and may not be used in the other synthesis event. For example, the synthesis events E8 and E9 include a common synthesis material "sword". Also, it is assumed that the game player owns only one of the common synthesis material "sword". Also, in the example of FIG. 8, it is assumed that the "silver stone" and "moon stone" that the game player does not own in the synthesis event E9 are sent by the viewing user before the "ice" and "salt" that the game player does not own in the synthesis event E8. In this case, the common synthesis material "sword" that the game player owns only one of is used to satisfy the synthesis condition of the synthesis event E9, and cannot be used to satisfy the synthesis condition of the synthesis event E8. If the number that can be generated is not limited, the generation item "wind sword" of the synthesis event E9 is generated and the synthesis event E8 ends, but the synthesis event E9 continues. However, the game player no longer owns the synthesis material "sword". Therefore, in order to satisfy the synthesis conditions of synthesis event E9, in addition to the "ice" and "salt" that the game player does not originally own, the "sword" that the game player does not own because it was used in synthesis event E8, are synthesis materials that need to be sent as viewing user items.

[0153] In addition, when multiple synthesis events occur at the same time, the game player may be able to select which synthesis event to activate. For example, in the example of FIG. 18, when the game player selects the synthesis material image G112C-1 corresponding to the synthesis event E8, the synthesis event E9 corresponding to the unselected synthesis material image G112C-2 ends. This increases the possibility that the game media sent by the viewing user will be effectively utilized.

[0154] (Screen example when the delivery order is specified) FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a synthesis event in which the order of synthesis materials to be sent as viewing user items is specified. In FIG. 19, similarly to FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted. In FIG. 19, the video playback area G11D includes a synthesis material image G112D in a display mode different from any of the synthesis material images G112, G112A, G112B, G113C-1, and G113C-2. The points in which the synthesis material image G112D differs from the synthesis material image G112 are described below. Other points are described in the same way as the synthesis material image G112, and therefore the details will not be repeated.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 19, the synthesis material image G112D shows an example of a display mode when the synthesis event E17 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In the synthesis event E17, it is specified that multiple synthesis materials 1, 2, 3, and 4 should be sent as viewing user items in this order. The synthesis material image G112D is displayed in a display mode that allows the synthesis material to be sent next to be distinguished. In the example of FIG. 19, the synthesis material 1 "bow" that should be sent first has already been specified. Therefore, the icon G115D of the synthesis material 2 "string" is surrounded by a thick line frame indicating that it should be sent next. In addition, the "arrow" and "gold stone" that should be sent after the "string" are not disclosed, and only the icons G115D and G116D corresponding to the number of pieces are displayed. In other words, synthesis materials that should not be sent next even if they are unspecified materials are not disclosed. This allows the viewing user to always be aware of what synthesis material should be sent next during the synthesis event.

[0156] As a specific example, assume that the viewing user does not own synthesis material 1 "bow" or synthesis material 2 "string", but owns the game medium "arrow". At the stage illustrated in FIG. 19, it is not disclosed which synthesis material will be required next after synthesis material 2, which has not yet been specified, but the viewing user can expect that synthesis material 3 "?" or synthesis material 4 "?" may be an "arrow". Therefore, the viewing user needs to be constantly aware of and wait for the timing when synthesis material 2 is specified and an "arrow" is required. Therefore, the viewing user is less likely to feel that participating in the synthesis event is monotonous.

[0157] (Detailed flow of selection process) Fig. 20 is a flow diagram showing a detailed flow of the selection process in step S302 of Fig. 13. The selection process is executed by referring to the distribution video management table, the occurring event management table, and the distribution service user information. When the selection process is executed, the distribution video management table stores distribution video information related to one or more live broadcasts. The occurring event management table stores one or more pieces of occurring event management information. As shown in Fig. 20, the selection process S302 includes steps S580, S380 to S384, and S780 to S784.

[0158] In step S580, the distribution UI unit 514 of the game terminal 50 accepts an instruction from the game player to request the user of the specific viewing terminal 70 to view. The distribution UI unit 514 transmits information indicating the viewing request to the distribution server 30. For example, the game player issues the viewing request instruction with the aim of receiving support from the user of the specific viewing terminal 70 in a combined event that may occur while playing a game. The viewing request instruction may be accepted before the combined event occurs (for example, in response to the start of live distribution) or may be accepted during the occurrence of the combined event.

[0159] In step S380, viewing request instruction receiving unit 315 receives information indicating a viewing request from game terminal 50. The information indicating the viewing request includes at least one of the game user ID and the distribution service user ID of the game player who has made the viewing request. In addition, the information indicating the viewing request includes the distribution service user ID of the user of viewing terminal 70 who has been requested to view. Steps S580 and S380 are examples of a viewing request instruction receiving step.

[0160] In step S382, the video identification screen display control unit 313 of the distribution server 30 generates a video identification screen and transmits it to the viewing terminal 70. Here, the video identification screen is a screen including a video identification operator and composite event information for each of one or more videos being live-streamed. In addition, the video identification screen includes information indicating a viewing request for a video for which a viewing request has been accepted for the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed. For example, the video identification screen display control unit 313 refers to the distribution video management table to identify one or more videos being live-streamed, and generates a video identification operator corresponding to each identified video. In addition, for example, the video identification screen display control unit 313 refers to the occurring event management table to identify a composite event occurring in a game indicated by each video being live-streamed, and generates composite event information related to the composite event. The composite event information may include some or all of the information indicating the composite material, the viewing user item, the achievement status, the remaining time, and the unidentified material. The composite event information may also include information indicating a composite material (an example of a game medium owned by the viewing terminal user) owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 among the viewing user items in the composite event. When a composite material owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 is included in the composite event information, the information indicating the owned composite material is obtained by further referring to the distribution service user information.

[0161] In step S780, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the video identification screen received from the distribution server 30. In addition, in step S782, the viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to set a sorting condition or a filtering condition for a video operator included in the video identification screen. In addition, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits information indicating the sorting condition or the filtering condition to the distribution server 30.

[0162] Step S384 is an example of a priority display control step. In step S384, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to preferentially display some video identification operators based on the sorting conditions or filters indicated by the received information. The video identification screen display control unit 313 updates the video identification screen according to the instruction. In addition, the video identification screen display control unit 313 transmits the updated video identification screen to the viewing terminal 70.

[0163] For example, when sorting conditions are received, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to rearrange the video operators based on the sorting conditions. In this case, the video operators that are earlier in the order based on the sorting conditions are preferentially displayed. For example, when the number of videos being live-streamed is greater than the number of video identification operators that can be arranged on the video identification screen, the number of video operators that can be arranged in order based on the sorting conditions are preferentially displayed. Also, when filter conditions are received, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to include video operators that match the filter conditions. In this case, the video operators that match the filter conditions are preferentially displayed.

[0164] In step S784, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the received updated video identification screen. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video from among the video operators that are preferentially displayed based on the set sorting conditions or filter conditions. The viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on any of the video identification operators included in the video identification screen. The operation indicates an operation to select a video corresponding to the video identification operator. The viewing UI unit 712 transmits information indicating the selected video to the distribution server 30.

[0165] (Example of a specific video screen) FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a video identification screen (screen example G2) displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S780. As shown in FIG. 21, the screen example G2 includes video identification operators G21-1 and G22-1 corresponding to the first video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-1. The screen example G2 also includes video identification operators G21-2 and G22-2 corresponding to the second video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-2. The screen example G3 also includes video identification operators G21-3 and G22-3 corresponding to the third video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-3. When it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the video identification operators G21-1 to G21-3, they are also referred to as video identification operators G21. When it is not necessary to particularly distinguish between the video identification operators G22-1 to G22-3, they are also referred to as video identification operators G22. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the composite event information G23-1 to G23-3, they are also referred to as composite event information G23. Note that video operators corresponding to videos other than the three videos among the videos being live-streamed are displayed by operating a scroll bar included in the example screen G2.

[0166] Each of the video specification operators G21 and G22 accepts an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video. For example, the operation to select a video may be, but is not limited to, a tap operation or a click operation on the display area of ​​the video specification operators G21 and G22. When the operation on the video specification operators G21 and G22 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits information to the distribution server 30 indicating that the video corresponding to the video specification operator that accepted the operation has been selected.

[0167] The display area of ​​the video specifying operator G21 includes a thumbnail image of the corresponding video. The thumbnail image may be a still image or a video. If the thumbnail image is a video, the thumbnail image may be a part of the video being live-streamed (for example, a predetermined period such as a few seconds immediately after the start, or a predetermined period such as the last few seconds). In this case, the thumbnail image may be played in a loop.

[0168] The display area of ​​the video identification operator G22 includes the name of the game being played, the user name of the game player who is the distributor, and composite event information G23. The name of the game being played is obtained by referencing the game ID included in the distribution video management information of the corresponding video and the game service information of the game ID. The user name of the game player is obtained by referencing the distribution service user ID of the game player included in the distribution video management information of the corresponding video and the distribution service user information of the distribution service user ID.

[0169] The synthesis event information G23-1 indicates information about a synthesis event occurring in the game indicated by the first video, and includes information indicating synthesis materials, viewing user items, and unspecified materials. The information indicating synthesis materials is represented by icons of each synthesis material, and indicates that the synthesis materials determined in the synthesis event are "bow", "string", and "arrow". In addition, the information indicating the viewing user items is represented by a thick frame surrounding the icon indicating the synthesis materials, and indicates that the "string" and "arrow" of the synthesis materials need to be sent from the viewing user. The information indicating unspecified materials is represented by a light color tone of the icon indicating the viewing user items, and indicates that the "arrow" of the viewing user items has not yet been sent. In other words, the achievement status of the synthesis event is displayed, in which the "string" of the viewing user items has already been acquired and the "arrow" has not yet been acquired. The information indicating synthesis materials, viewing user items, and unspecified materials is acquired by referring to the distribution ID included in the video distribution management information of the first video, and the synthesis conditions of the occurring event management information including the distribution ID.

[0170] The combined event information G23-1 also includes information indicating the viewing terminal user's owned game media. The information indicating the viewing terminal user's owned game media is represented by the text "owned", indicating that the "arrow" with the information "owned" attached is owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G2 is being displayed. The information indicating the viewing terminal user's owned game media is acquired by referencing the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70. In other words, by visually checking the combined event information G23-1, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that by watching this video, he or she can support the game player in the currently occurring event.

[0171] The composite event information G23-2 includes the text "No composite material." This indicates that there is no composite event currently occurring in the game represented by the second video. The fact that there is no composite event currently occurring is identified by the fact that occurring event management information including the distribution ID of the video is not stored in the occurring event management table. In other words, by visually checking the composite event information G23-2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that at the present time, even if he or she watches this video, no composite event that can support the game player has occurred.

[0172] The combined event information G23-3 includes information indicating the combined material. The information indicating the combined material is explained in the same manner as the combined event information G23-1. In addition, since a viewing user item is not specifically specified in the combined event, the combined event information G23-3 does not include information indicating a viewing user item. In addition, since there is no combined material owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 among the combined materials in the combined event, the combined event information G23-3 does not include information indicating the game medium owned by the viewing terminal user. In other words, by visually checking the combined event information G23-3, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that he or she will not be able to support the game player in the currently occurring event if he or she watches this video.

[0173] In this way, by including the composite event information G23 in the screen example G2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can select one of the videos after confirming in advance which currently live-streamed video the user can select and how the user can support the game player. Note that the composite event information G23 is not limited to the illustrated example and may include other information related to the composite event. For example, the composite event information G23 may include the number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has supported the game player who is the distributor of the video in the past, the number of times the user has viewed the live stream of the game player in the past, etc.

[0174] Moreover, the screen example G2 further includes friend information G24-2 corresponding to the second video. The friend information G24-2 indicates that the game player "YYY" who is the distributor of the video is in a friend relationship with the user of the viewing terminal 70. As an example, the friend relationship may be a relationship established between a certain user and another user in a distribution service (or a game service) when the other user approves an application for establishing a relationship made by the certain user to the other user. In this embodiment, the friend relationship is managed in the distribution service user information of the distribution server 30. As an example, the friend information G24-2 is arranged on the screen example G2 when it is determined that the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the game player are in a friend relationship based on the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution service user ID of the game player. Although not illustrated, the screen example G2 may further include favorite information. The favorite information is information indicating that the user of the viewing terminal 70 has registered the game player who is the distributor of the video as a favorite. In this embodiment, favorite registrations are managed in the distribution service user information of the distribution server 30. As an example, the favorite information may be displayed on screen example G2 when it is determined that the user of the viewing terminal 70 has registered a game player as a favorite, based on the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution service user ID of the game player.

[0175] Here, the user of the viewing terminal 70 may wish to support a game player with whom the user has a special relationship, such as a friend or favorite. In this way, the example screen G2 includes the friend information G24-2 or favorite information, so that the user of the viewing terminal 70 can easily select a video distributed by a game player with whom the user has a special relationship.

[0176] Moreover, the screen example G2 further includes convening information G25-2 corresponding to the second video. A convening is an example of information indicating a viewing request from a game player to a user of a specific viewing terminal 70. In other words, when a viewing request is made from a game player to a user of a specific viewing terminal 70, the convening information G25-2 is displayed on a specific video screen viewed by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to which the viewing request is made, and is not displayed on a specific video screen viewed by a user of another viewing terminal 70. In the example of FIG. 21, the game player who distributes the second video issues a viewing request to the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G2 is displayed.

[0177] In this way, since the screen example G2 includes the convening information G25-2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can select a video of a game player who has requested viewing by specifying himself / herself. Also, the possibility that the game player can receive support from the user of the viewing terminal 70 he / she desires is increased.

[0178] The screen example G3 further includes remaining time information G26-3 corresponding to the third video. The remaining time information G26-3 indicates the remaining time until the time limit of the composite event corresponding to the third video ends. The remaining time information G26-3 is obtained by referring to the distribution ID included in the distribution video management information corresponding to the video and the occurring event management information including the distribution ID.

[0179] In this way, since the example screen G2 includes the remaining time information G26-3, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can check the remaining time before selecting a video, thereby preventing the composite event from ending immediately after starting to watch the selected video.

[0180] (Example 1 of the condition setting screen) FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen (screen example G3) displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S782. The screen example G3 accepts an operation to set a sorting condition for a video identification operation on a video identification screen. As shown in FIG. 22, the screen example G3 includes a sort tab G31 and a filter tab G32. When the filter tab G32 is operated, a screen example G4, which will be described later, is displayed. In the screen example G3, the selection button G33 accepts an operation to select a sorting condition for rearranging the video identification operation included in the video identification screen. In the example of FIG. 22, the sorting conditions displayed are "remaining time", "number of current viewing users", "past viewing count", "user level", "number of composite materials owned", and "past support count", but are not limited to these. In the example of FIG. 22, "past viewing count" is selected. In addition, the selection button G34 accepts an operation to select "ascending order" or "descending order". In the example of FIG. 22, "descending order" is selected. The decision button G35 accepts an operation to decide the selection contents of the selection buttons G33 and G34. When an operation on the enter button G35 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits the contents selected by the selection buttons G33 and G34 to the distribution server 30 as setting information for the sorting conditions.

[0181] When "remaining time" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 refers to "remaining time" in the occurring event management table and rearranges the distribution IDs in the set ascending or descending order. Note that a combined event for which the remaining time is not set may be rearranged as having the longest remaining time. Also, a combined event for which the remaining time is not set may be rearranged as having the lowest priority in either ascending or descending order. Also, the video identification screen display control unit 313 updates the video identification screen so that the video identification operators corresponding to each distribution ID are displayed with priority in the rearranged order of the distribution IDs. "Displayed with priority in order" may mean displaying from the top or from the left, but is not limited to these. Thereby, when a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player in a combined event with little remaining time, the user can select such a video by sorting the video operators in ascending order of remaining time. Also, when a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player in a combined event with plenty of remaining time, the user can select such a video by sorting the video operators in descending order of remaining time.

[0182] In addition, when the "current viewing user count" is set as the sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 calculates the number of current viewing users for each distribution ID as the current viewing user count by referring to the distribution video management table. The rearrangement of distribution IDs based on the calculated number of current viewing users and the update of the video specific screen are as described for the sorting condition "remaining time", and therefore detailed description will not be repeated. As a result, when a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a video that is crowded with many viewing users or to watch support by other viewing users, the user can select such a video by sorting the video operators in descending order of the number of current viewing users. In addition, when a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a video that has few viewing users and is likely to be supported by the user, the user can select such a video by sorting the video operators in ascending order of the number of current viewing users.

[0183] Furthermore, when the sorting condition is set to "past viewing count", the priority display control unit 314 refers to the viewing history information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and calculates the number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has previously viewed the broadcast of the game player for each game player corresponding to the broadcast ID included in the broadcast video management table as the past viewing count. The rearrangement of broadcast IDs based on the calculated past viewing count and the update of the video identification screen are as described for the sorting condition "remaining time", and therefore detailed description will not be repeated. As a result, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player that the user often watches, the user can select such a video by sorting in descending order of past viewing count. When the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player that the user has not watched or does not watch often, the user can select such a video by sorting in ascending order of past viewing count.

[0184] Furthermore, when "user level" is set as the sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 refers to "user level" in the distribution video management table. As described above, in this embodiment, the user level stored in the distribution video management table is information in which the user level in each game is converted into a common user level. The rearrangement of the distribution IDs based on the user level and the update of the video identification screen are as described for the sorting condition "remaining time", and therefore detailed description will not be repeated. As a result, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a high (or low) user level, he or she can select such a video by sorting in descending (or ascending) order of user level.

[0185] In addition, when the "number of synthesis materials owned" is set as the sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 refers to the "unspecified materials" in the occurring event management table and the ownership information in the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and calculates the number of unspecified materials owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 for each distribution ID as the number of synthesis materials owned. The rearrangement of the distribution IDs based on the number of synthesis materials owned and the update of the video identification screen are as described in the sorting condition "remaining time", so detailed explanations will not be repeated. As a result, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to watch a video that is likely to be supported using the game medium he or she owns, he or she can select such a video by sorting in descending order of the number of synthesis materials owned. In addition, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize what kind of distribution requires a game medium that he or she does not own by sorting in ascending order of the number of synthesis materials owned.

[0186] Furthermore, when the sorting condition is set to "past support count", the priority display control unit 314 refers to the viewing history information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and calculates, for each game player corresponding to a distribution ID included in the distribution video management table, the total number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has sent game media in the past in the distribution of the game player, as the past support count. The rearrangement of the distribution IDs based on the calculated past support count and the update of the video identification screen are as described for the sorting condition "remaining time", and therefore detailed description will not be repeated. As a result, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 further supports a game player whom the user frequently supports, the user can select such a video by sorting in descending order of the past support count. Furthermore, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player whom the user has not supported or has not supported often, the user can select such a video by sorting in ascending order of the past support count.

[0187] In addition, in the example screen G3, the sorting conditions are not limited to one, and multiple sorting conditions may be selectable. Furthermore, when multiple sorting conditions are selected, the priority of the sorting conditions may be set. For example, when "user level" and "remaining time" are selected as sorting conditions and the priority is set in this order, the priority display control unit 314 may sort the delivery IDs based on the user level, and when there are multiple delivery IDs with the same user level, they may be sorted based on the remaining time.

[0188] (Example 2 of the condition setting screen) FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example (screen example G4) of the condition setting screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S782. The screen example G4 accepts an operation to set a filter condition for a video identification operation to be displayed on the video identification screen. As shown in FIG. 23, the screen example G4 includes a sort tab G31 and a filter tab G32, similar to the screen example G3. When the sort tab G31 is operated, the above-mentioned screen example G3 is displayed. In the screen example G4, the selection button G41 accepts an operation to select one or more filter conditions for extracting a video identification operation included in the video identification screen. In the example of FIG. 23, the filter conditions displayed are "synthetic material owned," "synthetic event occurring," "synthetic material designated," "summoned," "friend / favorite," and "game designated," but are not limited to these. In the example of FIG. 23, "synthetic material owned" and "friend / favorite" are selected.

[0189] The selection button G42 accepts an operation to select a game medium to be the target of the filter condition "synthesis material designation". When the selection button G42 is operated, a list of synthesis materials in one or more synthesis events currently occurring may be displayed in a selectable manner. When the selection button G42 is operated, a list of game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 23, the game medium "arrow" is selected as the target of "synthesis material designation".

[0190] The selection button G43 accepts an operation to select a game to be targeted by the filter condition "game designation." When the selection button G43 is operated, a list of game types indicated by the video currently being live-streamed may be displayed in a selectable manner. When the selection button G43 is operated, a list of game types stored as game service information in the distribution server 30 may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 23, "game A" is selected as the target of "game designation."

[0191] Furthermore, the selection button G44 accepts an operation to select "AND" or "OR." "AND" indicates a setting to extract a moving image specifying operator that satisfies all of the multiple filter conditions selected by the selection button G41. "OR" indicates a setting to extract a moving image specifying operator that satisfies any of the multiple filter conditions selected by the selection button G41. In the example of FIG. 23, "OR" is selected.

[0192] The enter button G45 accepts an operation to enter the selection contents of the selection buttons G41 to G44. When an operation on the enter button G45 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits the selection contents of the selection buttons G41 to G44 to the distribution server 30 as setting information of the filter condition.

[0193] When "Owns composite material" is set as a filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 refers to "unspecified material" in the occurring event management table and ownership information in the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and extracts a distribution ID of a video currently being live-distributed that has the unspecified material owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70. In addition, the video identification screen display control unit 313 updates the video identification screen so that a video identification operator corresponding to the extracted distribution ID is displayed. As a result, the video identification operator corresponding to the extracted distribution ID is displayed with priority. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video that is likely to be able to support a game player using the game medium that the user owns.

[0194] Furthermore, when the filter condition "synthetic event occurring" is set, the priority display control unit 314 extracts the broadcast IDs managed in the occurring event management table from the broadcast IDs of the videos being live-streamed. The update of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast IDs is as explained for the filter condition "synthetic material owned", so detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video in which a synthetic event is currently occurring when the user wants to enjoy participating in a synthetic event immediately after viewing.

[0195] Furthermore, when "synthetic material designation" is set as a filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 refers to the synthesis conditions in the occurring event management table to extract, from among the streaming IDs of videos being live streamed, streaming IDs that include the designated game media as a synthetic material. The update of the video identification screen using the extracted streaming ID is as explained for the filter condition "synthetic material possession", and therefore a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video that can support the game player using the game media to be sent, for example, by designating the game media to be sent as the target of "synthetic material designation".

[0196] Furthermore, when "convened" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 refers to the viewing request destination in the distribution video management table, and extracts the distribution ID of the video being live-streamed that includes the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G4 is being displayed as a viewing request destination. The update of the video specification screen using the extracted distribution ID is as explained for the filter condition "synthetic material owned", and therefore a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select the video for which a viewing request has been received.

[0197] Furthermore, when "Friends / Favorites" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 extracts the broadcasting ID of a broadcaster who has a special relationship with the user of the viewing terminal 70 by referring to the friends and favorites in the broadcasting service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70. The update of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcasting ID is as explained for the filter condition "Owns synthetic material", so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video live broadcast by a game player who has a special relationship with the user.

[0198] Furthermore, when "game designation" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 refers to the game service information to extract the broadcast ID of the broadcast video management information including the game ID of the designated game from among the broadcast IDs of the videos being live-streamed. The update of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast ID is as explained for the filter condition "synthetic material possession", and therefore will not be described in detail again. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video showing a desired type of game.

[0199] <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, a second synthesis event may be defined in which the generated item of the first synthesis event is used as the synthesis material. For example, the synthesis material "scimitar" for generating the generated item "Blue Dragon Scimitar" of the synthesis event E5 (second synthesis event) in FIG. 4 is the generated item of the synthesis event E4 (first synthesis event). Furthermore, for example, a condition may be set that the synthesis material "scimitar" of the synthesis event E5 is limited to that generated by the synthesis event E4. In this case, the "scimitar" that the game player owns without using the synthesis event E4 cannot be used as the synthesis material of the synthesis event E5. In other words, in order to obtain the generated item "Blue Dragon Scimitar" in the synthesis event E5 that occurs when the game player is defeated by the final boss for the third time, the game player needs to obtain the generated item "scimitar" in the synthesis event E4 that occurs when the game player is defeated by the final boss for the first time. In this case, it is desirable that the second synthesis event, which uses the first synthesis event's generation item as a synthesis material, has a higher usefulness than the first synthesis event's generation item. For example, in the above example, it is desirable that the synthesis event E5's generation item "Blue Dragon Scizor Blade" can deal more damage to the boss than the synthesis event E4's generation item "Scizor Blade". This allows the viewing user to support the game player while being aware of the dependency between multiple synthesis events, and the viewing user's sense of participation is increased not only in one synthesis event but in many synthesis events.

[0200] <Variation 2> In the above-described embodiment, a valid period may be set for one or both of the synthesis material sent as the viewing user item and the generated item granted by the synthesis event. The synthesis material or the generated item will disappear after the valid period has expired. The valid period may be, for example, until the progress of the game satisfies a predetermined condition. The period until the progress of the game satisfies a predetermined condition may be until the play ends, or until the scene of the game in which the synthesis event occurs ends, but is not limited thereto. The valid period may be a period of a predetermined length (for example, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 1 week, etc.) regardless of the progress of the game. The valid period may not necessarily be set. For example, a valid period may be set for the synthesis material sent as the viewing user item, and a valid period may not be set for the generated item granted by the synthesis event. This increases the motivation of the viewing user to send the viewing user item so that the synthesis condition is more likely to be satisfied, so that the synthesis material sent as the viewing user item will not disappear without generating a generated item.

[0201] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, in the occurring event management table illustrated in FIG. 4, the synthesis material in the synthesis event has been described as being predefined as event definition information. In a modified version, the synthesis material in the synthesis event may be determined by lottery during game play (for example, when the synthesis event occurs). This allows the viewing user to watch the video with a sense of tension, since they do not know what synthesis material will be required until the lottery results are announced. Note that in one type of game, both synthesis events in which synthesis materials are predefined and synthesis events in which synthesis materials are determined by lottery during game play may be defined.

[0202] <Modification 4> In the above embodiment, in the generated event management table illustrated in FIG. 4, the generated item in the synthesis event is described as being predefined as event definition information. In a modified version, the generated item in the synthesis event may be determined by lottery when the synthesis condition is satisfied. In this case, the synthesis material is predefined. This allows the viewing user to watch the video with tension and expectation, since they do not know what generated item will be given to the game player until the lottery result is announced. In this case, the synthesis event may be redone by the game player's operation. For example, if the generated item determined by lottery is not the desired item, the game player can redo the synthesis event and start over from collecting the synthesis material.

[0203] In addition, in this modified example, the generated item may be selected from a plurality of game media having attributes associated with at least any of the attributes of the plurality of synthesis materials. For example, when the ratio of synthesis materials having metal attributes among the plurality of synthesis materials is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the generated item may be selected from a plurality of weapon items having metal attributes, such as swords or axes. When the plurality of synthesis materials includes a synthesis material whose rarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the generated item may be selected from a plurality of weapon items having higher functionality than when the synthesis materials do not include such a synthesis material.

[0204] In this modified example, each game medium constituting the population of the lottery may be set with a winning probability corresponding to the game medium. The population of the lottery may be selected based on the operation of the game player. For example, when the ratio of synthetic materials having metal attributes among the multiple synthetic materials is equal to or greater than a threshold value as described above, the "sword" group or the "axe" group may be selected based on the operation of the game player as the population from which the generated item is to be selected.

[0205] In addition, in one type of game, both synthesis events in which the generated item is determined in advance and synthesis events in which the generated item is determined by lottery when synthesis conditions are met may be defined.

[0206] <Variation 5> In the above embodiment, when a synthesis event occurs, the game media owned by the game player (i.e., the game media indicated by the ownership information included in the game user information) have been described as being applicable as synthesis materials already owned. This may be modified so that when starting to play a game, game media to be brought into the game from among the game media owned by the game player may be specified based on the game player's operation. In this case, when a synthesis event occurs, the game media brought into the game by the game player may be applied as synthesis materials. In contrast, when a synthesis event occurs, game media owned by the game player but not brought into the game may not be applied as synthesis materials. In this case, a limit may be set on the number of game media that can be brought into the game (for example, up to three). This improves the strategic nature of the game, by making the game player think about which game media to bring into the game.

[0207] <Variation 6> In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the generated item is granted to the game player in response to the synthesis condition being satisfied (all synthesis materials being identified). This may be modified so that the generated item is granted to the game player in response to the game player or viewing user performing a synthesis operation after the synthesis condition is satisfied. For example, if a limit is set on the time that the generated item can be used in the game (e.g., 20 seconds), the timing at which the generated item is granted becomes important. In this case, the game player or viewing user performs the synthesis operation at the timing at which they wish to start using the generated item. This allows the generated item to be used more effectively.

[0208] In this modified example, the performance of the generated item may be varied depending on the operator who performed the combining operation. For example, when a game player with a high user level performs the combining operation, or when a viewing user who is a friend of the game player performs the combining operation, a generated item with higher performance than usual may be given to the game player.

[0209] <Variation 7> In the above-described embodiment, the game server 10 and the distribution server 30 may share sharable information among the information stored in the storage unit 130 and the storage unit 330. For example, ownership information in the game user information and ownership information in the distribution service user information may be shared by the game server 10 and the distribution server 30. In this case, the game medium indicated by the ownership information can be used in playing the game and can be sent as a viewing user item.

[0210] In order to share the ownership information, at least one of the game server 10 and the distribution server 30 stores ID linking information in which the game user ID and the distribution service user ID are linked. Furthermore, the game server 10 and the distribution server 30 may perform a process of synchronizing the ownership information that each server owns with each other based on the ID linking information. Furthermore, the game server 10 may store the ownership information, and the distribution server 30 may not store the ownership information. In this case, the distribution server 30 may store the ID linking information and acquire the ownership information from the game server 10 by referring to the ID linking information.

[0211] [Note] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are conveniently written in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0212] The system (1) according to aspect A1 includes a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit (311) that live-distributes a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewing user game medium identification unit (312) that identifies at least some of the game media owned by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video as at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation of the viewing user, and the condition includes that at least some of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination are game media identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit (312). According to the above configuration, a new system can be provided in which a user of the viewing terminal (70) can participate in a game that is live-distributed. According to this system, for example, the viewing user needs to consider which game media to send to make the predetermined combination. This increases the sense of participation in the game compared to technology that simply delivers game media to game players.

[0213] In the system (1) according to aspect A2, in aspect A1, the predetermined process is a process associated with the predetermined combination. With the above configuration, in a combination event, it is possible to allow game players and viewing users to enjoy the process according to the predetermined combination.

[0214] In the system (1) according to aspect A3, in aspect A1 or A2, the predetermined process is a process of granting predetermined game content associated with the combination to a game player who is progressing through the game. With the above configuration, it is possible to allow a viewing user to contribute to the game player acquiring the predetermined game content.

[0215] The system (1) according to aspect A4, in any one of aspects A1 to A3, further includes a combination image display control unit (112) that causes an image indicating the game media constituting the predetermined combination to be displayed on the viewing terminal (70) that views the video distributed by the distribution control unit (111), and the combination image display control unit (112) causes, of the game media required for the predetermined combination, the game media that need to be identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit (312) to be displayed in a distinguishable manner from the game media that do not need to be identified. According to the above configuration, the viewing user can easily recognize which game media the viewing user needs to identify in order to satisfy the conditions.

[0216] The system (1) according to aspect A5 is any one of aspects A1 to A4, wherein the condition includes that the game media constituting the predetermined combination include a predetermined number or more of game media identified by the viewing user game medium identification unit (312). With the above configuration, the viewing user can easily recognize the number of game media that the viewing user needs to identify in order to satisfy the condition.

[0217] The system (1) according to aspect A6 is any one of aspects A1 to A5, wherein the condition includes an upper limit on the number of game media identified by one viewing user for the game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit (312). With the above configuration, support from more viewing users is required, and it is possible to prevent the viewing users from feeling that participation in the event is monotonous.

[0218] In the system (1) according to aspect A7, in any one of aspects A1 to A4, the condition includes that the order in which the game contents constituting the predetermined combination are identified is a predetermined order. With the above configuration, the viewing user needs to be constantly aware of what he or she will need, and therefore it is possible to prevent the viewing user from feeling that participation in the event is monotonous.

[0219] The system (1) according to aspect A8 is any one of aspects A1 to A6, in which the predetermined process is a process of identifying game media by lottery and granting the game media to a game player who is progressing through the game. With the above configuration, even if the conditions are satisfied, it is not known which game media will be granted to the player who is progressing through the game, which creates a sense of tension and expectation among viewing users.

[0220] A method (S1) according to aspect A9 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes a game control step (S100) of controlling progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are identified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, and a viewing user game media identification step (S310) of identifying at least some of the game media owned by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video as at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of the viewing user, the condition including that at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are the game media identified in the viewing user game media identification step. The above configuration provides the same effect as aspect A1.

[0221] The program according to aspect A10 causes one or more computers to execute a game control step (S100) of controlling progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are identified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, and a viewing user game medium identification step (S310) of identifying at least some of the game media owned by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, as at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination, based on an operation of the viewing user, the condition including that at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are the game media identified in the viewing user game medium identification step (S310). The above configuration achieves the same effect as aspect A1.

[0222] The system (1) according to aspect B1 includes a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including the specification of a predetermined combination of at least some of the game media used in the game, a distribution control unit (311) that live-distributes a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, and a viewing user game medium specification unit (312) that specifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, and the game control unit (111) starts the combination event in response to satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. With the above configuration, a new system can be provided in which a user of the viewing terminal (70) can participate in a live-distributed game.

[0223] In the system (1) according to aspect B2, in aspect B1, the start condition includes a progress status indicating a progress status of the game reaching a predetermined progress status. According to the above configuration, the mode of support for the broadcasting user varies depending on the progress of the game, so that the viewing user can be motivated to continue watching the live broadcast of the game.

[0224] In the system (1) according to aspect B3, in aspect B1 or B2, the start condition includes that a play result based on an operation for progressing the game accepted from the game player becomes a predetermined play result. With the above configuration, the execution of the combination event can be influenced by the skill and knowledge of the game player.

[0225] The system (1) according to aspect B4 is any one of aspects B1 to B3, wherein the start condition includes that setting information indicating at least one of the content of user information related to the game player and the content of information associated by the game player with the game medium is a predetermined content. According to the above configuration, the game player can adjust whether or not to execute the combination event based on his / her own user information.

[0226] The system (1) according to aspect B5 is any one of aspects B1 to B4, in which the start condition includes that the viewing situation of the video is a predetermined viewing situation. According to the above configuration, the viewing user can feel more strongly that he or she is participating in the game.

[0227] The system (1) according to aspect B6 is any one of aspects B1 to B5, wherein the start condition includes that at least one of the time and the duration is a predetermined time or duration. According to the above configuration, the number of viewing users is likely to increase at the time or duration when the combination event is being executed.

[0228] A method (S1) according to aspect B7 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) for live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, and a viewing user game media identification step (S310) for identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, and in the game control step (S100), the combination event is started in response to satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. According to the above configuration, the same effect as that of aspect B1 is achieved.

[0229] The program according to aspect B8 causes one or more computers to execute a game control step (S100) of controlling the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including the identification of at least some of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, and a viewing user game media identification step (S310) of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, and in the game control step (S100), causes the one or more computers to start the combination event in response to satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. According to the above configuration, an effect similar to that of aspect B1 is achieved.

[0230] The system (1) according to the aspect C1 includes a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including the fact that at least some of a plurality of types of game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control unit (311) that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, a viewing user game medium identification unit (312) that identifies at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, a video identification operator that receives an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70), and a video identification screen display control unit (313) that causes the viewing terminal (70) to display a video identification screen including combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a user of the viewing terminal (70) who is searching for a video to watch with information that serves as new information for selecting a live-streamed video.

[0231] In the system (1) according to aspect C2, in aspect C1, the combination event information includes progress status information indicating a progress status of the combination event, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the progress status information on the video identification screen. With the above configuration, the progress status of the combination event can be provided as a basis for decision to a user of a viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to view.

[0232] In the system (1) according to aspect C3, in aspect C2, the progress status information includes achievement status information indicating the achievement status of the condition, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the achievement status information on the video identification screen. According to the above configuration, the achievement status of the combination event can be provided to the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch as a basis for making a decision.

[0233] In the system (1) according to aspect C4, in any one of aspects C1 to C3, the combination event information includes information indicating at least a part of the game media required for the predetermined combination, and the video specific screen display control unit (313) displays the information indicating at least a part of the game media. With the above configuration, the game media required for the combination in the combination event can be provided to a user of a viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to view, as information for making a decision.

[0234] In the system (1) according to aspect C5, in aspect C3, the achievement status information includes information indicating unspecified game media among the game media required for the predetermined combination that have not been specified by either the game player progressing through the game or the viewing user, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the information indicating the unspecified game media and information indicating game media other than the unspecified game media among the game media required for the predetermined combination in a distinguishable manner. With the above configuration, it is possible to provide the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch with game media that has not yet been specified in a combination event as a basis for making a decision.

[0235] In the system (1) according to aspect C6, in aspect C4 or C5, the combination event information includes information indicating a viewing terminal user-owned game medium owned by the user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video specific screen is displayed, among the game media required for the specified combination, and the video specific screen display control unit (313) displays the information indicating the game medium and information indicating game media other than the viewing terminal user-owned game medium, among the game media required for the specified combination, in a distinguishable manner. According to the above configuration, the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch can check which video to select in order to receive support based on the game media owned by the user, before selecting the video to watch.

[0236] In the system (1) according to aspect C7, in any one of aspects C1 to C6, the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays information indicating the number of times that a user of a viewing terminal (70) on which the video identification screen is displayed has identified the game media constituting the predetermined combination in the combination event that was previously executed by a game player progressing the game corresponding to the video and caused the game control unit (111) to execute. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a user of a viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to view with information on which game player support has been provided in the past in combination events and how many times this support has been provided to the user, as a basis for selecting a video.

[0237] The system (1) according to aspect C8, in any one of aspects C1 to C7, further includes a priority display control unit (314) that instructs the video specific screen display control unit (313) to preferentially display at least some of the video specific operators on the video specific screen in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video specific screen is displayed, and when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying the video specific operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit (314) instructs the video specific screen display control unit (313) to preferentially display the video specific operator, and the video specific screen display control unit (313) causes the viewing terminal (70) to preferentially display the video specific operator in response to the instruction. According to the above configuration, the convenience of the viewing video specification UI is improved.

[0238] The system (1) according to aspect C9 further includes a priority display control unit (314) that instructs the video specific screen display control unit (313) to preferentially display at least some of the video specific operators on the video specific screen in response to an operation by a user of a viewing terminal (70) on which the video specific screen is displayed, and when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying a game in which the combination event required for a specific game medium to satisfy the condition is being executed from among the games corresponding to the multiple video specific operators, the priority display control unit (314) instructs the video specific screen display control unit (313) to preferentially display a video specific operator corresponding to a game in which the combination event is being executed, and the video specific screen display control unit (313) preferentially displays the video specific operator on the viewing terminal (70) in response to the instruction. According to the above configuration, it becomes easier to select a video to be viewed based on the game medium required for the combination event.

[0239] The system (1) according to aspect C10, in any one of aspects C1 to C9, further includes a viewing request instruction receiving unit (315) that receives a viewing request instruction from a game player progressing through the game, requesting a user of a specific viewing terminal (70) to view a video showing the game, and the video specific screen display control unit (315) displays information indicating the viewing request to the user together with a video specific operator corresponding to the video. According to the above configuration, the game player can encourage the specific user to view a video. The user of the viewing terminal (70) can easily find the video that they are requested to view.

[0240] The method (S1) according to aspect C11 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) for live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, a viewing user game media specification step (S310) for specifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, and a video specification screen display control step (S302) for displaying on the viewing terminal (70) a video specification operation button that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70) and a video specification screen including combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. According to the above configuration, the same effect as that of aspect C1 is achieved.

[0241] The program according to aspect C12 causes one or more computers to execute a game control step (S100) of controlling the progress of a game including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least some of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination, a distribution control step (S304) of live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video, a viewing user game media identification step (S310) of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video, and a video identification screen display control step (S302) of displaying on the viewing terminal (70) a video identification operator that receives an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70) and a video identification screen including combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. According to the above configuration, the same effect as that of aspect C1 is achieved.

[0242] [Software implementation example] The functions of the game server 10, distribution server 30, game terminal 50, and viewing terminal 70 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device, and a program for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control units 110, 310, 510, 710).

[0243] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program to realize each function described in each of the above embodiments.

[0244] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be provided to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0245] In addition, some or all of the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the control blocks can be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0246] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may be executed by the control device or another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0247] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0248] 1 System 10 Game Server 30 Distribution Server 50 Game terminals 70 Viewing Devices 11, 31, 51, 71 processors 12, 32, 52, 72 memory 13, 33, 53, 73 Communication Interface 19, 39, 59, 79 Bus 54, 74 Input device 55, 75 Output device 110, 310, 510, 710 Control unit 130, 330, 530, 730 storage section 111, 511 Game control unit 112 Combined image display control unit 311 Distribution control section 312 Viewer Game Media Identification Unit 313 Video specific screen display control unit 314 Priority display control unit 315 Viewing Request Instructions Reception Department 512 Game UI Department 513 Video Transmission Unit 514 Distribution UI Department 711 Video playback section 712 Viewing UI Section

Claims

1. a game control unit that controls progress of the game, including execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition that includes specifying that at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media among the game media used in the game are in a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit that live-distributes a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game medium identification unit that identifies at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and who is viewing the video; a video specification operator that receives an instruction for specifying the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video specification screen display control unit that causes the viewing terminal to display a video specification screen including combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video, system.

2. the combination event information includes progress status information indicating a progress status of the combination event, the video specific screen display control unit causes the progress information to be displayed on the video specific screen; The system of claim 1 .

3. the progress information includes achievement status information indicating an achievement status of the condition, the video specific screen display control unit causes the achievement status information to be displayed on the video specific screen; The system of claim 2.

4. the combination event information includes information indicating at least a portion of the game contents required for the predetermined combination; the video specific screen display control unit displays information indicating at least a portion of the game medium; The system of claim 1 .

5. the achievement status information includes information indicating unspecified game media that are not specified by either a game player who is progressing through the game or the viewing user, among game media required for the predetermined combination; the video specific screen display control unit causes information indicating the unspecified game medium and information indicating game media other than the unspecified game medium among the game media required for the predetermined combination to be displayed in a distinguishable manner; The system of claim 3.

6. the combination event information includes information indicating a viewing terminal user-owned game medium that is owned by a user of the viewing terminal on which the specific video image screen is being displayed, among game media required for the predetermined combination; the video specific screen display control unit displays information indicating the game medium and information indicating game media other than the game media owned by the viewing terminal user among the game media required for the predetermined combination in a distinguishable manner; 6. A system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The video specific screen display control unit is The system described in claim 1, wherein a game player who is playing the game corresponding to the video displays information indicating the number of times that a user of a viewing terminal on which the video identification screen is displayed has identified the game media that make up the specified combination in a combination event that has been previously executed by the game control unit.

8. a priority display control unit that instructs the video specific screen display control unit to display at least a part of the video specific operators on the video specific screen with priority from among the plurality of video specific operators in response to an operation by a user of a viewing terminal on which the video specific screen is displayed; when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying the animated specific operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit instructs the animated specific screen display control unit to preferentially display the animated specific operator; the video specific screen display control unit causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display the video specific operation button in response to the instruction; The system of claim 1 .

9. a priority display control unit that instructs the video specific screen display control unit to display at least a part of the video specific operators on the video specific screen with priority from among the plurality of video specific operators in response to an operation by a user of a viewing terminal on which the video specific screen is displayed; when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying, from among the games corresponding to the plurality of animation specific operators, a game in which the combination event required for a predetermined game medium to satisfy the condition is being executed, the priority display control unit instructs the animation specific screen display control unit to preferentially display the animation specific operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed; the video specific screen display control unit causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display the video specific operation button in response to the instruction; The system of claim 1 .

10. a viewing request instruction receiving unit that receives a viewing request instruction from a game player who is progressing through the game, requesting a user of a specific viewing terminal to view a video showing the game; The system according to claim 1 , wherein the video identification screen display control unit displays, to the user, information indicating the viewing request together with a video identification operator corresponding to the video.

11. A method implemented by one or more computers, comprising: a game control step of controlling progress of the game, including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination; a distribution control step of live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewer user game medium identification step of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewer user who is a user of the viewing terminal and who views the video; The method includes a video specification operator that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video specification screen display control step that causes the viewing terminal to display a video specification screen including combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.

12. On one or more computers, a game control step of controlling progress of the game, including execution of a combination event for executing a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition including that at least a portion of a plurality of types of game media among game media used in the game are specified to be a predetermined combination; a distribution control step of live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewer user game medium identification step of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewer user who is a user of the viewing terminal and who views the video; A program that executes a video specification operator that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video specification screen display control step that causes the viewing terminal to display a video specification screen including combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.

Images