Distribution server, distribution system, and program

Abstract

To cause a game to cooperate with a game live distribution service.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A distribution server for providing a live distribution service for a game among users including a distributor and a viewer includes: a user ID acquisition unit for acquiring an in-game user ID, which is a user ID of the user in the game, input by the user in the live distribution service; an inquiry unit for inquiring of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether or not the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID; and a user ID registration unit for registering the in-game user ID so as to use the in-game user ID in the live distribution service when it is confirmed that the acquired in=game user ID is the correct user ID by the inquiry unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution server, a distribution system, and a program for providing a live game distribution service between users, including distributors and viewers. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various video distribution services have become widespread along with the high performance and high functionality of various devices such as smartphones and the high speed of communication via the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, a live game distribution service has been provided in which a distributor's game play (i.e., gameplay video) is distributed in real time to a large number of viewers' terminals together with a live audio commentary.

[0003] In various distribution systems that perform such live game distribution, various communication functions are implemented to enable communication between a distributor who distributes a game play video and a viewer who watches the game play video. For example, in a live game distribution system, a chat area is displayed on a terminal along with a game play video, allowing a viewer to communicate with the distributor through chat (text).

[0004] Furthermore, in recent years, it has become possible for viewers to give streamers gifts that can fulfill specific functions when used within the game live streaming service. By giving such gifts, viewers can support their favorite streamers and use them as an opportunity to communicate with them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-152831 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a game live streaming service, gifts given (given) by viewers to a streamer include, for example, decorations that can be used on the streamer's avatar and items that can be used in the game. However, in a game live streaming service, the game for which the streamer streams gameplay video may be a game provided by a company (also referred to as "other game company") different from the company providing the game live streaming service.

[0007] In the conventional technology, when a distributor distributes a gameplay video of a game provided by a game company other than the operator providing the game live distribution service, it is difficult to link the game to the live distribution service. For example, there is a need for viewers to give items that can be used in the game as gifts to the distributor, but the conventional technology cannot meet such needs.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution server, a distribution system, and a program that are capable of linking a game to a game live distribution service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The distribution server of the first aspect is a distribution server for providing a live game distribution service between users including distributors and viewers, and includes a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live distribution service and is the user ID of the user within the game, an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, and a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID can be used within the live distribution service.

[0010] A distribution system according to a second aspect is a distribution system for providing a live streaming service of a game between users including broadcasters and viewers, and includes a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live streaming service and is the user ID of the user within the game, an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, and a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID can be used within the live streaming service.

[0011] A program according to a third aspect is a program for providing a live streaming service of a game between users including broadcasters and viewers, and causes a computer to function as a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live streaming service and is the user ID of the user within the game, an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server managing the in-game user ID as to whether the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, and a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID can be used within the live streaming service. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a distribution server, a distribution system, and a program that are capable of linking a game to a game live distribution service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a distribution server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of another game company information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information DB according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a screen (game viewing screen) displayed on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when registration of an in-game user ID according to an embodiment is successful. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when registration of an in-game user ID according to an embodiment fails. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when an in-game gift is successfully given according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when an in-game gift is not given because the in-game user ID of a viewer according to an embodiment is not registered. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when an in-game gift is not given because the in-game user ID of a distributor according to an embodiment is not registered. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distribution server according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distribution server according to a third modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0015] (1) Distribution system 1 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. The distribution system 1 is a system that realizes a game live distribution service in which a distributor distributes a state of playing a game (game play video) on his / her own terminal 300a together with a live audio to one or more viewers' terminals 300b in real time. When there is no distinction between distributors and viewers, they are also simply referred to as "users."

[0016] The distribution system 1 includes a distribution server 100, a game server 200, and a plurality of terminals 300. The distribution server 100, the game server 200, and the terminals 300 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 10. The network 10 includes the Internet.

[0017] The distribution server 100 is configured by one or more computers, and is a server of a business providing a game live distribution service. The distribution server 100 accepts access from each terminal 300, and distributes game play video (which may include audio) provided by the distributor's terminal 300a to the viewer's terminal 300b. In the illustrated example, there is one distributor (one terminal 300a), but there may be multiple distributors (multiple terminals 300a). Also, there is one viewer (one terminal 300b), but there may be multiple viewers (multiple terminals 300b).

[0018] The games that broadcasters play and broadcast gameplay videos include in-service games provided by businesses that provide game live broadcasting services (broadcasting businesses) and out-of-service games provided by other game companies different from the broadcasting businesses.

[0019] In the case of an in-service game, for example, game operation information may be transmitted from the distributor's terminal 300a to the distribution server 100, the distribution server 100 may process various types of information within the game based on the operation information, and transmit the results of the information processing to the viewer's terminal 300b, which may display a gameplay video based on the results of the information processing. In other words, the terminal 300 may only generate and transmit game operation information and draw gameplay video, and all other information processing related to the game may be performed by the distribution server 100.

[0020] In the case of a non-service game, for example, game operation information may be transmitted from the broadcaster's terminal 300a to the game server 200, the game server 200 may process various information within the game based on the operation information, and transmit the results of the information processing to the broadcaster's terminal 300a, and the broadcaster's terminal 300a may display a gameplay video based on the results of the information processing. The broadcaster's terminal 300a may transmit gameplay video in real time to the distribution server 100, and the distribution server 100 may transfer the gameplay video to the viewer's terminal 300b, thereby performing a live game distribution.

[0021] When a distributor playing a game wishes to live-stream his / her gameplay video, the distribution server 100 provides the gameplay video to the terminal 300b of a viewer who wishes to watch the gameplay video. In the following embodiment, a case where a distributor live-streams a gameplay video of a game outside the service will be mainly described.

[0022] The distribution server 100 manages accounts of users who use the game live distribution service. The accounts include a user ID that uniquely identifies the users.

[0023] The game server 200 is configured with one or more computers, and is a server of another game company that provides one or more online games (outside-service games). In the illustrated example, there is one other game company (one game server 200), but there may be multiple other game companies (multiple game servers 200). The game server 200 manages accounts of users of games provided by the game server 200. The accounts include user IDs that uniquely identify users. One account may be provided for each game company, or one account may be provided for each game.

[0024] The terminal 300 is a terminal equipped with a communication function, an operation function, a display function, etc., and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, etc. The terminal 300 can play various games and distribute or watch the gameplay videos by accessing the distribution server 100 or the game server 200 via an installed program.

[0025] The terminal 300 may have a chat function and a calling function. The terminal 300 functions as a broadcaster's terminal 300a when a user (broadcaster) who wants to broadcast performs an operation to start a game live broadcast via the terminal 300. On the other hand, the terminal 300 functions as a viewer's terminal 300b when a user (viewer) who wants to watch a broadcasted video performs an operation to start watching via the terminal 300.

[0026] (2) Distribution server 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the distribution server 100 according to this embodiment. The distribution server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit .

[0027] The communication unit 110 is a network interface connected to the network 10. The communication unit 110 communicates with the game server 200 and the terminal 300 via the network 10 under the control of the processing unit 130.

[0028] The storage unit 120 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 120 stores various DBs used in the game live streaming service. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a different game company information DB 121 for managing information on different game companies, and a user information DB 122 for managing information on users of the game live streaming service. In addition to these DBs, the storage unit 120 may also store a gift information DB for managing information on various gift contents.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the other game company information DB 121 according to this embodiment. The other game company information DB 121 manages the game name (game title) of a game, information indicating the game company (other game company) providing the game, and access information (e.g., IP address) for accessing the game server 200 of the game company in association with each other. In this embodiment, it is assumed that information on games that can be linked with a game live streaming service is stored in advance in the other game company information DB 121.

[0030] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information DB 122 according to the present embodiment. The user information DB 122 manages an in-streaming service user ID that uniquely identifies a user within the game live streaming service, an in-game user ID that uniquely identifies a user within the game, and a game name of the game in association with each other. The in-streaming service user ID constitutes a user account within the game live streaming service. The user information DB 122 may further store a password that constitutes an account together with the in-streaming service user ID.

[0031] Here, the in-game user ID and the game name are registered by the user in the distribution server 100 for each game. In the illustrated example, one user registers an in-game user ID for one game, but one user may register in-game user IDs for multiple games.

[0032] The user information DB 122 may manage points (also called "coins") that can be used to purchase gifts or the like within the game live streaming service in association with user IDs within the streaming service.

[0033] Returning to FIG. 2, the processing unit 130 includes a CPU that controls the entire processing unit 130, a ROM that stores control programs and the like that run on the CPU, and a RAM for temporarily storing various data.

[0034] In this embodiment, the processing unit 130 functions as a user ID acquisition unit 131, an inquiry unit 132, a user ID registration unit 133, a delivery processing unit 134, a gift processing unit 135, and a user ID presentation unit 136 by the CPU expanding a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it.

[0035] The user ID acquisition unit 131 acquires an in-game user ID, which is input by a user in the game live streaming service and is the user ID of the user in the game. For example, when the user's terminal 300 accepts an operation of the user selecting a game and registering an in-game user ID, the user ID acquisition unit 131 causes the terminal 300 to display an input form for the in-game user ID, and acquires from the terminal 300 the in-game user ID input in the input form.

[0036] The inquiry unit 132 inquires of the game server 200 managing the in-game user ID as to whether or not the in-game user ID acquired by the inquiry unit 132 is a correct user ID. For example, the inquiry unit 132 refers to the other game company information DB 121, accesses the game server 200 corresponding to the game selected by the user to register the in-game user ID, and notifies the game server 200 of the in-game user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 131. Then, the inquiry unit 132 acquires a response (answer) from the game server 200 as to whether or not the in-game user ID is a correct user ID, that is, a user ID registered in the game server 200. Note that the exchange between the distribution server 100 and the game server 200 may be performed via an API (Application Programming Interface).

[0037] When the inquiry unit 132 confirms that the in-game user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 131 is a correct user ID, the user ID registration unit 133 registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID can be used in the game live streaming service. For example, the user ID registration unit 133 associates the in-game user ID of the user with the in-streaming service user ID of the user, and registers the in-game user ID of the user and the game name of the game in the user information DB 122.

[0038] In this way, when the inquiry unit 132 confirms that the in-game user ID acquired by the user ID acquisition unit 131 is a valid user ID, the user ID registration unit 133 registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID can be used in the game live streaming service. This makes it possible to link a game to the game live streaming service even when a user (distributor) distributes gameplay videos of a game provided by a game company other than the operator providing the game live streaming service.

[0039] When the inquiry unit 132 confirms that the in-game user ID is an incorrect user ID, the user ID acquisition unit 131 may perform a process of prompting the user to input a correct in-game user ID. For example, when the user ID acquisition unit 131 receives a response (answer) from the game server 200 indicating that the in-game user ID is not registered in the game server 200, the user ID acquisition unit 131 may cause the terminal 300 to display information such as "This ID does not exist. Please check and register again."

[0040] When the distribution processing unit 134 receives information from the distributor's terminal 300a that a game live distribution is to start, the distribution processing unit 134 distributes the gameplay video to those of the viewer terminals 300b that access the distribution server 100 and wish to watch the gameplay video. When distributing this gameplay video, the distribution processing unit 134 may distribute the video data as is, or may distribute the video after applying a predetermined processing. The distribution processing unit 134 may generate avatar data showing an avatar a (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the distributor and transmit it to the viewer's terminal 300b. The avatar a can be equipped with various accessories. The distribution processing unit 134 may manage chats between the distributor and the viewer via the distributor's terminal 300a and the viewer's terminal 300b. When video distribution is performed by the distributor's terminal 300a, the distribution processing unit 134 may provide a common chat area C (see FIG. 5) to the distributor's terminal 300a and the viewer's terminal 300b, and display the contents of a chat between the viewer and the distributor via the chat area C on both the distributor's terminal 300a and the viewer's terminal 300b. The distribution processing unit 134 may realize the transmission of audio such as a conversation (game commentary) from the distributor to the viewer via a voice call function of the distributor's terminal 300a during video distribution by the distributor's terminal 300a.

[0041] In response to receiving a gift operation from a viewer to give an in-game gift usable in the game to the broadcaster, the gift processing unit 135 requests the game server 200 to give the in-game gift to the broadcaster by specifying the in-game user ID of the broadcaster. For example, when the gift processing unit 135 receives a gift operation from the viewer (terminal 300b) to give an in-game gift usable in the game to the broadcaster during live distribution of a game from the broadcaster (terminal 300a) to the viewer (terminal 300b), the gift processing unit 135 refers to the user information DB 122 and identifies the in-game user ID of the broadcaster in the game. In addition, the gift processing unit 135 refers to the other game company information DB and identifies access information of the game server 200 corresponding to the game in which the broadcaster is distributing a gameplay video. Then, the gift processing unit 135 accesses the game server 200 based on the access information, and transmits a gift giving request to the game server 200 including information indicating the content of the gift selected by the viewer and the in-game user ID of the broadcaster. The game server 200 gives the in-game gift to the broadcaster in response to the gift giving request. This allows viewers to give items that can be used in the game to the broadcaster as gifts when the broadcaster broadcasts gameplay videos of games provided by other game companies different from the service provider that provides the game live broadcasting service. The items may be, for example, accessories such as equipment that can be used in the game, or characters that can be used in the game.

[0042] The gift processing unit 135 may manage gift contents given from a viewer to a distributor using a gift information DB that holds multiple gift contents. An in-game gift is, for example, an item that can be used in the game or a ticket that executes a process (so-called gacha) for randomly extracting an item that can be used in the game. The gift information DB may hold, for example, information on a gift ID, a gift name, a use location, and points for obtaining the gift content corresponding to each gift content. In an operation for gifting from a viewer to a distributor, the viewer selects gift content via the viewer's terminal 300b in exchange for points held by the viewer. The points can be purchased by the viewer for a fee, and may be given by, for example, satisfying a predetermined condition in an event held in a game in the distribution system 1.

[0043] When the in-game user ID of a broadcaster has not been registered, the gift processing unit 135 may perform a process of prompting the broadcaster to register an in-game user ID in response to receiving a gift operation from a viewer (terminal 300b) for the broadcaster. For example, the process of prompting the broadcaster to register an in-game user ID may be to display information such as "If you register your in-game user ID, you may receive an in-game gift from the viewer. Let's register your in-game user ID." on the broadcaster's terminal 300a.

[0044] There may be two types of in-game gifts: normal gifting, in which a viewer simply wishes to give gift content to a distributor, and mutual gifting, in which a viewer wishes to give the same gift content to both the distributor and the viewer. A viewer may select any of these two types of gifting requests, and the selected content may be transmitted from the viewer's terminal 300b to the distribution server 100, and the gift processing unit 135 may identify the type of gift content. With mutual gifting, not only the distributor but also the viewer can obtain an in-game gift, which increases the motivation to give gifts to the distributor and promotes communication between the distributor and the viewer. In addition, the act of giving a gift to a distributor may be an embarrassing act for the viewer, but not only the distributor but also the viewer can obtain an in-game gift, which reduces the embarrassment and promotes communication between the distributor and the viewer.

[0045] In the case of mutual giving, when the in-game user ID of the viewer has also been registered, the gift processing unit 135, in response to receiving a gift operation from the viewer, further specifies the in-game user ID of the viewer and requests the game server 200 to give an in-game gift to the viewer. In this case, the gift processing unit 135 transmits a gift giving request including the in-game user ID of the viewer in addition to the in-game user ID of the broadcaster to the game server 200. The game server 200 gives an in-game gift to each of the broadcaster and the viewer in response to the gift giving request. In the following embodiment, the case of mutual giving is mainly assumed.

[0046] The user ID presenting unit 136 presents the in-game user ID of the broadcaster on the game viewing screen of the viewer. The in-game user ID of the broadcaster is used by the viewer to search for the broadcaster in the game. This allows the viewer to know the in-game user ID of the broadcaster for the game in which the viewer is watching the gameplay video. Therefore, the viewer can search for the in-game user ID of the broadcaster in the game using a friend search function or a co-player search function, and can send a friend request to the broadcaster or play the game together with the viewer. However, if the broadcaster has set the in-game user ID not to be made public, the user ID presenting unit 136 does not need to present the in-game user ID of the broadcaster on the game viewing screen of the viewer.

[0047] The user ID presenting unit 136 presents the in-game user ID of the viewer on the game distribution screen of the distributor. The in-game user ID of the viewer is used by the distributor to search for the viewer in the game. For example, when the viewer performs an operation of "notifying (commenting) the in-game user ID" on the game viewing screen, the user ID presenting unit 136 presents the in-game user ID of the viewer to the distributor in the chat area on the game distribution screen. This allows the distributor to know the in-game user ID of the viewer for the game in which the play video is being distributed. Therefore, the distributor can search for the in-game user ID of the viewer in the game by using a friend search function or a co-player search function, and can send a friend request to the viewer or play the game together with the viewer. Note that when the viewer performs an operation of "notifying (commenting) the in-game user ID" on the game viewing screen, if the in-game user ID of the viewer in the game is not registered, the user ID acquisition unit 131, the inquiry unit 132, and the user ID registration unit 133 may perform the above-mentioned in-game user ID registration process for the viewer.

[0048] (3) Screen display example Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a screen (game viewing screen) displayed on the viewer's terminal 300b according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, during live streaming of a game, a video area V, a chat area C, a chat input area I, an avatar area A, a gift icon G, and a menu button M for calling up various operation menus are displayed on the viewer's terminal 300b.

[0049] The video area V is an area where a video of the distributor playing the game is displayed.

[0050] The chat area C is an area where comments (chats) from viewers are displayed, and the comments are displayed together with the names of the viewers who made the comments ("Hinata", "NekoNeko") and the comments made by each commenter ("Nice to meet you!" or "Now's your chance!"). This "name" may be a nickname different from the user ID in the distribution service.

[0051] The chat input area I is an area for inputting comments to be displayed in the chat area C. A viewer who wishes to make a comment can input characters into this chat input area I using the character input function of the viewer's terminal 300b and transmit the character data to the distribution server 100, whereby the characters are displayed in the chat area C. The contents of the chat are also displayed on the distributor's terminal 300a. The chat input area I may also be used for the operation of "notifying (commenting) the in-game user ID."

[0052] The avatar area A is an area in which the avatar a is displayed. The avatar a is an avatar corresponding to the distributor, but may be an avatar corresponding to the viewer.

[0053] The gift icon G is an icon selected when a viewer wishes to give a gift (gift content) to a distributor, and by selecting this icon, a list of gift contents that can be given is displayed on the viewer's terminal 300b. Then, when the viewer selects the gift content that he or she wishes to give from the list of gift contents in exchange for points that he or she owns, a wish to give is transmitted from the viewer's terminal 300b to the distribution server 100. In this embodiment, the list of gift contents that can be given includes in-game gifts.

[0054] (4) System operation example An operation example of the distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0055] (4.1) Example of in-game user ID registration FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when registration of an in-game user ID according to this embodiment is successful.

[0056] In step S101, the terminal 300 accepts input of an in-game user ID for a certain game (referred to as "Game A") from the user.

[0057] In step S102, the terminal 300 transmits to the distribution server 100 the in-game user ID input in step S101.

[0058] In step S103, the distribution server 100 transmits the in-game user ID received from the terminal 300 to the game server 200 providing the game A, and inquires of the game server 200 whether the in-game user ID is a correct user ID. The game server 200 refers to the in-game user ID DB and confirms whether the in-game user ID is a correct user ID. Here, it is assumed that the in-game user ID is a correct user ID.

[0059] In step S104, the game server 200 notifies the distribution server 100, as a response (answer) to the inquiry in step S103, that the in-game user ID is a valid user ID.

[0060] In step S105, the distribution server 100 registers the in-game user ID in the user information DB 122.

[0061] In step S106, the distribution server 100 notifies the terminal 300 that the in-game user ID has been registered, and causes the terminal 300 to display this.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when registration of an in-game user ID according to this embodiment fails.

[0063] In step S201, the terminal 300 accepts input of an in-game user ID for game A from the user.

[0064] In step S202, the terminal 300 transmits to the distribution server 100 the in-game user ID input in step S201.

[0065] In step S203, the distribution server 100 transmits the in-game user ID received from the terminal 300 to the game server 200 providing the game A, and queries the game server 200 as to whether the in-game user ID is a correct user ID. The game server 200 references the in-game user ID DB and confirms whether the in-game user ID is a correct user ID. Here, it is assumed that the in-game user ID is an incorrect user ID (i.e., a user ID that does not exist).

[0066] In step S204, the game server 200 notifies the distribution server 100, as a response (answer) to the inquiry in step S203, that the in-game user ID is an incorrect user ID.

[0067] In steps S205 and S206, the distribution server 100 notifies the terminal 300 that the in-game user ID cannot be registered, and causes it to be displayed. For example, the terminal 300 may display information such as "This ID does not exist. Please check and register again."

[0068] (4.2) Example of in-game gift giving FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when the in-game gift is successfully given according to this embodiment.

[0069] In step S301, distribution server 100 distributes gameplay video of game A of a distributor to viewer terminal 300b.

[0070] In step S302, the terminal 300b accepts an operation to give an in-game gift of the game A to the distributor (that is, an in-game gift purchase operation) from the user.

[0071] In step S303, the terminal 300b transmits to the distribution server 100 a gift purchase request including information indicating the in-game gift selected in step S302.

[0072] In step S304, in response to the gift purchase request in step S303, the distribution server 100 transmits a gift granting request including the in-game user IDs of the distributor and the viewer to the game server 200.

[0073] In step S305, the game server 200 grants the in-game gift selected in step S302 to each of the distributor and the viewer in response to the gift grant request in step S304. For example, a ticket (gacha ticket) for randomly granting an item usable in game A is granted to each of the distributor and the viewer.

[0074] In step S306, the game server 200 transmits a response to the distribution server 100 indicating that the in-game gifts have been granted to the distributor and the viewer, respectively.

[0075] In step S307, in response to the response in step S306, distribution server 100 subtracts the number of points for the gift purchased by the viewer from the points held by the viewer, thereby completing the gift purchase.

[0076] In step S308, distribution server 100 notifies viewer terminal 300b of the response that the gift purchase has been completed, and causes the response to be displayed.

[0077] In step S309, the distribution server 100 notifies the distributor's terminal 300a that the gift has been granted and causes the terminal 300a to display such information. For example, the terminal 300a may display information such as "A gacha ticket has arrived in the present box for game A."

[0078] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation in the case where an in-game gift is not given because the in-game user ID of a viewer according to this embodiment is not registered.

[0079] In step S401, distribution server 100 distributes gameplay video of game A by a distributor to viewer terminal 300b.

[0080] In step S402, the terminal 300b accepts an operation to give an in-game gift of the game A to the distributor (that is, an in-game gift purchase operation) from the user.

[0081] In step S403, the terminal 300b transmits to the distribution server 100 a gift purchase request including information indicating the in-game gift selected in step S402.

[0082] In step S404, distribution server 100 refers to user information DB 122 and determines that the in-game user ID of the viewer for game A is not registered.

[0083] In steps S405 and S406, the distribution server 100 notifies the viewer's terminal 300b of a response that the gift purchase is not possible, and causes the terminal 300b to display the response. The distribution server 100 may also cause the terminal 300b to display information prompting the viewer to register an in-game user ID, and perform the above-described in-game user ID registration process for the viewer.

[0084] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation in the case where an in-game gift is not given because the in-game user ID of a distributor according to this embodiment is not registered.

[0085] In step S501, distribution server 100 distributes gameplay video of game A of a distributor to viewer terminal 300b.

[0086] In step S502, the terminal 300b accepts an operation to give an in-game gift of the game A to the distributor (that is, an in-game gift purchase operation) from the user.

[0087] In step S503, the terminal 300b transmits to the distribution server 100 a gift purchase request including information indicating the in-game gift selected in step S502.

[0088] In step S504, distribution server 100 refers to user information DB 122 and determines that the in-game user ID of the distributor for game A is not registered.

[0089] In steps S505 and S506, the distribution server 100 notifies the viewer's terminal 300b of a response that the gift purchase is not possible because the distributor has not registered an in-game user ID, and causes the response to be displayed.

[0090] In steps S507 and S508, the distribution server 100 notifies the terminal 300a of the distributor of information prompting the distributor to register an in-game user ID, and causes the terminal 300a of the distributor to display such information. For example, information such as "If you register your in-game user ID, you may receive in-game gifts from viewers. Let's register your in-game user ID." may be displayed on the terminal 300a of the distributor. After that, the above-mentioned in-game user ID registration process may be performed for the distributor.

[0091] (5) First change example In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the gift processing unit 135, in response to receiving a gift operation from a viewer to grant an in-game gift that can be used in the game to a broadcaster, specifies the broadcaster's in-game user ID and requests the game server 200 to grant the in-game gift to the broadcaster.

[0092] However, instead of or in addition to the condition that a gift operation has been accepted from a viewer, a condition that the game live streaming by the broadcaster satisfies at least one of a predetermined streaming condition and a predetermined viewing condition may be used. That is, the gift processing unit 135 may specify the broadcaster's in-game user ID and request the game server 200 to give an in-game gift to the broadcaster in response to the broadcaster's game live streaming satisfying at least one of a predetermined streaming condition and a predetermined viewing condition.

[0093] Here, the predetermined broadcasting condition may be a condition that the game live broadcasting has been continued for a predetermined time from the start of the game live broadcasting, or a condition that a predetermined event (e.g., a stage is cleared or a high score is updated) has occurred in the game being live broadcasted. By using such a condition as the predetermined broadcasting condition, the broadcaster's motivation for broadcasting can be increased.

[0094] The predetermined viewing condition may be a condition that the number of viewers watching the game live-stream by the distributor (which may be the number of viewers who posted comments) reaches a predetermined number, or a condition that the total viewing time of the viewers watching the game live-stream reaches a predetermined time. By using such a condition as the predetermined viewing condition, it is possible to motivate the distributor to perform a game live-stream that is watched by a larger number of viewers.

[0095] (6) Second Change Example In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the user ID presenting unit 136 presents the in-game user ID of the distributor on the game viewing screen of the viewer, or presents the in-game user ID of the viewer on the game distribution screen of the distributor. This allows users (distributors, viewers) to build friend relationships in the game by using a friend search function in the game. A friend relationship refers to a relationship in which the users are registered as friends in the game.

[0096] In this modified example, a friend relationship can be established by an action from the game live streaming service (distribution server 100) to the game server 200. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of the distribution server 100 according to this modified example. The distribution server 100 according to this modified example further includes a friend processing unit 137. In response to receiving a friend operation designating a second user from a first user in the game live streaming service, the friend processing unit 137 requests the game server 200 to designate the in-game user IDs of the first user and the second user, respectively, and to establish a friend relationship between the first user and the second user in the game. Here, the first user may be one of the distributor and the viewer, and the second user may be the other of the distributor and the viewer.

[0097] For example, the friend processing unit 137 receives a friend operation that designates a broadcaster from a viewer. In this case, the friend processing unit 137 reads out the in-game user IDs of the viewer and the broadcaster, and transmits a friend request message including these in-game user IDs to the game server 200. Based on the friend request message, the game server 200 registers the viewer and the broadcaster as friends in the game.

[0098] (7) Third Change Example In this modified example, a case where multiple users play a game is assumed. In a multiplay, for example, multiple users can play simultaneously in the same game field. Here, some games (game servers 200) that support multiplay can issue a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for participating in the multiplay as a link.

[0099] The distribution server 100 acquires a URL (link for participating in multiplay) issued by the game server 200 and makes the URL available within the game live streaming service, allowing users to participate in multiplay directly from the game live streaming service. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the distribution server 100 according to this modified example. The distribution server 100 according to this modified example further includes a multiplay processing unit 138. The multiplay processing unit 138 acquires a URL for participating in multiplay from the game server based on the in-game user ID of the user who starts multiplay, and performs processing for the user to participate in multiplay using the acquired URL.

[0100] For example, when a viewer wishes to participate in a multiplay game being distributed by a distributor, the viewer performs an operation to participate in the multiplay game. In response to the operation, the multiplay processing unit 138 acquires an in-game user ID being distributed, and requests a multiplay URL from the game server 200 by specifying the in-game user ID. The multiplay processing unit 138 then acquires the URL from the game server 200 and presents it to the viewer. The viewer participates in the multiplay game by selecting the presented URL.

[0101] (8) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the user information DB 122 manages an in-game user ID that uniquely identifies a user in a game live streaming service, an in-game user ID that uniquely identifies a user in a game, and a game name of the game in association with each other. However, the in-game user ID may be used as the in-game user ID in the streaming service. For example, the user ID registration unit 133 uses the in-game user ID as a user's account in the game live streaming service. This can reduce the effort required for a user to create an account in the game live streaming service.

[0102] In the above embodiment, in the case of mutual granting of in-game gifts, the same gift content is provided to the broadcaster and the viewer, but the present invention is not limited to this, and different gift contents may be provided to the broadcaster and the viewer. When different gift contents are provided to the broadcaster and the viewer in this way, the viewer may be able to arbitrarily select the gift content (second gift content) to be provided to the broadcaster in addition to the gift content (first gift content) desired to be granted to the broadcaster. In addition, a predetermined first gift content and a predetermined second gift content may be set in advance, and the viewer may provide the first gift content and the second gift content by selecting an arbitrary set from each set. Furthermore, the first gift content and the second gift content may be randomly selected and provided, respectively.

[0103] The operation flows and operation examples in the above-mentioned embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order described in the flow diagram or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the operations may be executed in an order different from that described in the flow diagram or sequence diagram, or may be executed in parallel. Some of the steps in the operations may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the process. The operation flows and operation examples in the above-mentioned embodiments may be executed separately and independently, or two or more operation flows and operation examples may be executed in combination. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow.

[0104] A program for causing a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiment may be provided. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program in a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0105] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on", unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on". Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "based only on" and "depending at least in part on". In addition, the terms "include", "comprise", and variations thereof do not mean including only the items listed, but may include only the items listed, or may include additional items in addition to the items listed. In addition, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or. In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0106] The above describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes, etc. are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1: Distribution system 10: Network 100: Distribution server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing section 131: User ID acquisition section 132: Joint 133: User ID registration section 134: Distribution processing unit 135: Gift Processing Department 136: User ID presentation section 137: Friend processing section 138: Multiplay processing unit 200: Game server 300: Terminal

Claims

1. A distribution server for providing a live game distribution service between users including distributors and viewers, a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live streaming service and is the user ID of the user within the game; an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether or not the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID; a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID is used in the live distribution service. Distribution server.

2. The user ID acquisition unit performs a process of prompting the user to input a correct in-game user ID when the inquiry unit confirms that the acquired in-game user ID is an incorrect user ID. The distribution server according to claim 1 .

3. and a gift processing unit that, in response to receiving a gift operation from the viewer to grant an in-game gift that can be used in the game to the broadcaster, requests the game server to grant the in-game gift to the broadcaster by specifying the in-game user ID of the broadcaster. The distribution server according to claim 1 .

4. When the in-game user ID of the distributor has not been registered, the gift processing unit performs a process of prompting the distributor to register the in-game user ID in response to receiving the gift operation from the viewer. The distribution server according to claim 3.

5. When the in-game user ID of the viewer has also been registered, the gift processing unit, in response to receiving the gift operation from the viewer, further specifies the in-game user ID of the viewer and requests the game server to give the in-game gift to the viewer. The distribution server according to claim 3.

6. and a gift processing unit that, in response to the game live streaming by the broadcaster satisfying at least one of a predetermined streaming condition and a predetermined viewing condition, requests the game server to give the in-game gift to the broadcaster by specifying the in-game user ID of the broadcaster. The distribution server according to claim 1 .

7. a user ID presenting unit that presents the in-game user ID of the distributor on the game viewing screen of the viewer, The in-game user ID of the broadcaster is used by the viewer to search for the broadcaster within the game. The distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a user ID presenting unit that presents the in-game user ID of the viewer on a game distribution screen of the distributor, The in-game user ID of the viewer is used by the broadcaster to search for the viewer within the game. The distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. a friend processing unit that, in response to receiving a friend operation designating a second user from a first user within the live distribution service, requests the game server to make the first user and the second user friends within the game by designating the in-game user IDs of the first user and the second user. The distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The game server further includes a multiplay processing unit that, when a multiplay is performed by a plurality of users in the game, acquires a URL for participating in the multiplay from the game server based on the in-game user ID of a user who starts the multiplay, and performs a process of the user participating in the multiplay using the URL. The distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The user ID registration unit uses the in-game user ID as the user's account in the live distribution service. The distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. A distribution system for providing a live game distribution service between users including distributors and viewers, comprising: a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live streaming service and is the user ID of the user within the game; an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether or not the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID; a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID is used in the live distribution service. Delivery system.

13. A program for providing a live game distribution service between users including distributors and viewers, comprising: a user ID acquisition unit that acquires an in-game user ID that is input by the user within the live streaming service and is the user ID of the user within the game; an inquiry unit that inquires of a game server that manages the in-game user ID as to whether or not the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID; a user ID registration unit that, when it is confirmed by the inquiry unit that the acquired in-game user ID is a correct user ID, registers the in-game user ID so that the in-game user ID is used in the live distribution service. program.

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