Distribution system and program

Abstract

To appropriately perform ranking of distributors in a game live distribution service.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A distribution system for providing a game live distribution service for distributing a game play moving image of a distributor to a viewer includes: a gift point derivation unit for deriving a gift point based on a gift presented from the viewer to the distributor in a totalization period for each distributor in the game live distribution service; a viewing time point derivation unit for deriving a viewing time point based on the number of viewers that have viewed the game play moving image and a viewing time of the viewer in the totalization period for each distributor in the game live distribution service; and a ranking determination unit for determining the ranking of each distributor in the totalization period on the basis of the total of the gift points and the viewing time points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to 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 functionality of various devices such as smartphones and the high speed of communication via the Internet. In particular, live game distribution services have been provided that distribute in real time the appearance of a distributor playing a game (i.e., gameplay video) together with the live audio commentary to the terminals of a large number of viewers.

[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 comments (text chat).

[0004] Furthermore, in recent years, it has become possible for viewers to give broadcasters gifts that have specific functions. By purchasing such gifts and giving them to broadcasters, viewers can support their favorite broadcasters and use them as an opportunity to communicate with them.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that determines the ranking of each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers and delivers ranking information to each user. Specifically, ranking information of broadcasters based on gifts is generated for all games (total of multiple types of games) broadcast by each broadcast user during a unit period (e.g., an event period, a day, a week, a month, etc.). It is believed that if each viewer gives more gifts to a broadcaster they want to support, the broadcaster is more likely to be ranked higher and become famous, and the viewers' motivation to support the broadcaster can be improved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-41056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the conventional technique, the ranking of each broadcaster is determined only based on the gift giving situation, but there is room for improvement in terms of appropriate ranking. Specifically, when the ranking is determined only based on the gift giving situation, it is easy to push a broadcaster to the top of the ranking by giving a large number of gifts just before the deadline for the collection period. In addition, some viewers cannot give gifts frequently due to economic reasons, but they support broadcasters by frequently leaving comments, and such situations are difficult to reflect in the ranking. Therefore, it may be necessary to have an element that evaluates broadcasters who have been watched for a longer period and by more active viewers.

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

[0009] The distribution system of the first aspect is a distribution system that provides a game live streaming service that distributes gameplay videos of broadcasters to viewers, and includes a gift point derivation unit that derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to broadcasters during a collection period in the game live streaming service, a viewing time point derivation unit that derives viewing time points for each broadcaster based on the number of viewers who watched gameplay videos during the collection period in the game live streaming service and the viewing time of the viewers, and a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each broadcaster during the collection period based on the sum of the gift points and the viewing time points.

[0010] The program of the second aspect is a program used in a distribution system that provides a game live streaming service in which broadcasters' gameplay videos are distributed to viewers, and causes a computer to function as: a gift point derivation unit that derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to broadcasters during a collection period in the game live streaming service; a viewing time point derivation unit that derives viewing time points for each broadcaster based on the number of viewers who watched gameplay videos during the collection period in the game live streaming service and the viewing time of the viewers; and a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each broadcaster during the collection period based on the sum of the gift points and the viewing time points. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a distribution system and a program capable of appropriately ranking distributors in a game live distribution service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [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. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a gift status DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing status 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] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a distribution server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation according to the first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a distribution server according to a second modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a distribution server according to a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a distribution server according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] 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.

[0014] (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."

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 (including 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).

[0017] The games that broadcasters play and broadcast gameplay videos may include in-service games provided by a company that provides a game live broadcasting service (broadcasting company) and out-of-service games provided by other game companies different from the broadcasting company.

[0018] 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.

[0019] On the other hand, in the case of a non-service game, for example, game operation information may be transmitted from the distributor'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 distributor's terminal 300a, and the distributor's terminal 300a may display a gameplay video based on the results of the information processing. The distributor'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.

[0020] 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, it is mainly assumed that a distributor live-streams a gameplay video of a game within the service.

[0021] In the distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, 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, the distribution server 100 displays a game play video on the viewer's terminal 300b and also displays a chat area, enabling the viewer to communicate with the distributor through comments (text chat).

[0022] Furthermore, in the distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible for viewers to give gifts that can exert a specific function to distributors via the distribution server 100. By purchasing such gifts and giving them to distributors, viewers can support their favorite distributors and use them as an opportunity to communicate with them.

[0023] In this embodiment, the distribution server 100 performs a ranking process for distributors and publishes the rankings of the distributors. There are two types of rankings for distributor rankings:

[0024] 1) Individual in-game streamer rankings for each game: The in-game streamer ranking is a ranking of streamers within a specific game (specific game title). The in-game streamer ranking is a streamer ranking determined and published specifically for the specific game based on gifts and the like given to streamers by viewers for the specific game.

[0025] In-game streamer rankings do not reflect the achievements of streamers who rank highly in a particular game in other games. Streamers who play one game may get bored with that one game title, but have to start from scratch again in another game title. In addition, in-game streamer rankings may not be able to secure an appropriate number of participants in the rankings because streamers participating in the rankings are distributed across multiple games.

[0026] 2) Overall streamer ranking across multiple games: The overall broadcaster ranking is a ranking of each broadcaster across multiple games (multiple game titles). The overall broadcaster ranking is determined and published based on gifts and the like given to broadcasters by viewers for multiple games within a counting period, which is the period covered by the ranking. In this embodiment, the counting period is set to a period longer than one day, such as several weeks or one month.

[0027] According to the overall broadcaster ranking, the broadcaster's performance in each game is reflected in the overall broadcaster ranking. Therefore, a broadcaster who wants to stay at the top of the overall broadcaster ranking may continue playing another game even after getting tired of a specific game. In other words, the motivation to continue using the game live broadcasting service increases. In this embodiment, the overall broadcaster ranking is performed for each in-service game provided by the broadcasting server 100, but it may also be performed for out-of-service games provided by the game server 200.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The game server 200 is a server of another game company that is configured with one or more computers and 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).

[0030] 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, or a PC. The terminal 300 can play various games and distribute or view the gameplay videos by accessing the distribution server 100 or the game server 200 via an installed program. The terminal 300 may also be equipped with a chat function and a calling function. The terminal 300 functions as a distributor's terminal 300a when a user (distributor) who wants to distribute performs an operation to start a game live distribution 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 view the distributed video performs an operation to start viewing via the terminal 300.

[0031] (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 .

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 related to the game live streaming service. In this embodiment, the storage unit 120 has a gift status DB 121 for managing the status of gifts given from viewers to streamers, and a viewing status DB 122 for managing the viewing status of viewers.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the gift status DB 121 according to the present embodiment.

[0035] In the gift status DB121, one record (gift record) is added each time a gift is given from a viewer who watches a gameplay video to a broadcaster who plays the game. In the illustrated example, each record includes the user ID of the broadcaster to whom the gift was given, the user ID of the viewer who gave the gift, the date and time when the gift was given (gift giving date and time), the game name (game title) of the game, the points (also called "coins") required to purchase the gift, and the gift points used to determine the overall broadcaster ranking for the gift.

[0036] Coins are a currency within the game live streaming service that can be used to exchange for gifts (i.e., to purchase gifts) within the game live streaming service, and have economic value. Each user can acquire coins by paying a fee, but can also acquire coins free of charge by completing a specified mission within the game live streaming service.

[0037] In this embodiment, there are three types of gifts that affect the overall broadcaster ranking: A viewer can select one of the gifts and give (present) it to a broadcaster while watching a gameplay video on the terminal 300b.

[0038] 1) First Gift: The first support gift is a support gift used exclusively for the overall streamer ranking across multiple games. The first support gift is treated more favorably in the overall streamer ranking than other gifts. For example, normally, a gift gives a streamer 1 gift point per coin, but the first support gift is set with a multiplier of 2x or more. If the multiplier is 50x, the first support gift will give the streamer 50 gift points per coin. By introducing such special gifts, viewers who support a streamer aiming for a high overall streamer ranking can give the streamer a first support gift, making it easier for the streamer to rise to the top of the overall streamer ranking.

[0039] 2) In-game Gifts: An in-game gift is a gift that gives an item that can be used in each game. The item may be equipment (armor or weapon) worn by a game character, may restore the parameters of a game character, or may change the parameters in the game so that the score in the game can be easily increased. For example, in the overall streamer ranking, in-game gifts give streamers 1 gift point per coin (i.e., the same number of gift points).

[0040] 3) Second Cheering Gift: The second support gift is a support gift used for the in-game streamer ranking for each game. For example, in the overall streamer ranking, the second support gift gives 1 gift point per coin (i.e., the same number of gift points) to the streamer.

[0041] The gift points in the gift records of gifts given to broadcasters by viewers during the calculation period of the overall broadcaster ranking will be included when determining the overall broadcaster ranking.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the viewing situation DB 122 according to the present embodiment.

[0043] In the viewing status DB 122, one record (one viewing record) is added each time a viewer views a gameplay video of a distributor. In the illustrated example, each record includes the user ID of the viewer who viewed the gameplay video, the user ID of the distributor of the gameplay video, the start time when viewing of the gameplay video began (viewing start time), the duration of viewing of the gameplay video (viewing time), information indicating whether the viewer made a comment (posted a comment) while viewing the gameplay video, and viewing time points corresponding to the viewing time and used in the overall distributor ranking.

[0044] The viewing time points in the viewing record of viewings started by a viewer within the aggregation period of the overall distributor ranking are counted when the overall distributor ranking is determined. In the illustrated example, the viewing time is recorded in minutes, and 2 viewing time points are awarded to the distributor for each minute of viewing. However, the derivation of viewing time points is not limited to this, and for example, 1 viewing time point may be awarded to the distributor for 1 minute or 5 minutes of viewing. In other words, the longer the viewing time, the more viewing time points are awarded.

[0045] If the overall streamer ranking were determined solely by gift points, it would be easy to push someone up the rankings by sending a large number of gifts just before the deadline for the tallying period. Also, there are viewers who cannot send gifts frequently due to financial reasons, but who support streamers by frequently commenting, and gift points alone would make it difficult to reflect the situation of such viewers in the rankings. Therefore, by including viewing time points when determining the overall streamer rankings, streamers who are watched for longer and by more active viewers will be more easily evaluated.

[0046] However, inactive viewers who do not post their own comments may not be reflected in the viewing time points. In the illustrated example, viewers who do not post their own comments during the viewing time are not given viewing time points regardless of the viewing time.

[0047] Returning to Fig. 2, the processing unit 130 includes a CPU that controls the entire processing unit 130, a ROM that stores a control program that runs on the CPU, and a RAM for temporarily storing various data. In this embodiment, the processing unit 130 functions as a gift point derivation unit 131, a viewing time point derivation unit 132, a ranking determination unit 133, and a ranking publication unit 134 by the CPU expanding the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing it.

[0048] The gift point derivation unit 131 derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given from viewers to the broadcaster within a collection period in the game live broadcasting service. For example, the gift point derivation unit 131 manages a gift status DB 121 as shown in Fig. 3. The gift point derivation unit 131 extracts each gift record within the collection period from the gift status DB 121 for each broadcaster, and derives gift points for each broadcaster by collecting the gift points for each broadcaster.

[0049] In this embodiment, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives gift points for each broadcaster for the first support gift used exclusively for the overall ranking across multiple games. The gift point derivation unit 131 also derives gift points for each broadcaster for the in-game gift that provides an item usable in each game and / or the second support gift used for the ranking for each game.

[0050] In this embodiment, even if the first support gift, the in-game gift, and the second support gift are of equivalent value, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives the gift points of the first support gift higher than the gift points of the in-game gift and / or the gift points of the second support gift. For example, even if the first support gift, the in-game gift, and the second support gift are all purchased with 100 coins, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives the gift points at a multiplier of 2 times or more (for example, 50 times) for the first support gift (for example, derives 5000 gift points) and derives the gift points at the same multiplier for the in-game gift and the second support gift (for example, derives 100 gift points). Alternatively, the gift point derivation unit 131 may derive the gift points at the same multiplier for the first support gift and derive the gift points at a multiplier of less than 1 (for example, 0.2 times) for the in-game gift and the second support gift.

[0051] The viewing time point derivation unit 132 derives viewing time points for each broadcaster based on the number of viewers who watched gameplay videos in a collection period in the game live streaming service and the viewing time of the viewers. For example, the viewing time point derivation unit 132 manages a viewing situation DB 122 as shown in Fig. 4. The viewing time point derivation unit 132 extracts each viewing record for each broadcaster within the collection period from the viewing situation DB 122 and derives viewing time points for each broadcaster by collecting the viewing time points for each broadcaster.

[0052] The viewing time point derivation unit 132 may derive viewing time points only for viewers who have provided comments to a broadcaster in the game live broadcasting service. As described above, the viewing time point derivation unit 132 may not derive viewing time points for inactive viewers who do not post comments themselves, regardless of the viewing time.

[0053] The ranking determination unit 133 determines an overall ranking (overall broadcaster ranking) of each broadcaster within a counting period spanning multiple games based on the sum of the gift points (total gift points) derived by the gift point derivation unit 131 and the viewing time points (total viewing time points) derived by the viewing time point derivation unit 132. For example, the ranking determination unit 133 calculates the ranking points within the counting period for each broadcaster according to the formula "ranking points within the counting period = total gift points within the counting period + total viewing time points". Here, the total viewing time points can be conceptually expressed as "number of viewers x viewing time". Then, the ranking determination unit 133 determines the ranking (overall broadcaster ranking) of each broadcaster by ranking the broadcasters in descending order of the calculated ranking points.

[0054] The ranking publishing unit 134 performs a process of publishing the overall distributor ranking determined by the ranking determination unit 133. The ranking publishing unit 134 may publish the overall distributor ranking on a website on a web server. The overall distributor ranking may be a list displaying the user IDs and / or nicknames of the distributors together with their rankings (rankings). In response to a request from the terminal 300a of a distributor who has accessed the distribution server 100, the ranking publishing unit 134 may notify the terminal 300a of information indicating the ranking (ranking) of the distributor to display the information.

[0055] (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.

[0056] The video area V is an area where a video of the distributor playing the game is displayed.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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, whereupon the characters are displayed in the chat area C. The contents of the chat are also displayed on the distributor's terminal 300a.

[0059] The avatar area A is an area where the avatar a is displayed. The avatar a is an avatar corresponding to the distributor, but may be an avatar corresponding to the viewer.

[0060] The gift icon G is an icon selected when a viewer gives 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 (coins) 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 a first support gift, an in-game gift, and a second support gift.

[0061] (4) Operation flow example FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the distribution server 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0062] In step S11, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to the broadcaster during a collection period in the game live streaming service. Also, the viewing time point derivation unit 132 derives viewing time points for each broadcaster based on the number of viewers who watched gameplay videos during a collection period in the game live streaming service and the viewing time of the viewers.

[0063] In step S12, the ranking determination unit 133 determines an overall ranking (overall broadcaster ranking) of each broadcaster within a counting period spanning multiple games based on the sum of the gift points (total gift points) derived by the gift point derivation unit 131 and the viewing time points (total viewing time points) derived by the viewing time point derivation unit 132. Specifically, the ranking determination unit 133 determines the ranking (overall broadcaster ranking) of each broadcaster by ranking the broadcasters in descending order of the calculated ranking points.

[0064] In step S13, the ranking publishing unit 134 performs a process of publishing the overall distributor rankings determined by the ranking determination unit 133.

[0065] (5) First change example In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which gift points are given to the distributor at the same rate for both the in-game gift and the second support gift. However, the rate at which the in-game gift and the second support gift are converted into gift points may be variably set for each game depending on the game difficulty level, whether the game is being promoted (on sale), etc.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation according to this modified example.

[0067] The gift point derivation unit 131 may derive a higher gift point for an in-game gift for a specific game than a gift point for an in-game gift for another game, even if the value of the in-game gift is equivalent. For example, when a newly released game A is available, the gift point derivation unit 131 may set a multiplier (e.g., 1.25 times) greater than 1 for the in-game gift for game A, and grant 1.25 gift points per coin to the distributor. For games other than game A, the gift point derivation unit 131 may set a unit multiplier for the in-game gift, and grant 1 gift point per coin to the distributor.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the game "bbbbb" is the game on sale, and the gift points for the in-game gift are calculated at a rate of 1.2 for the game "bbbbb." Therefore, the gift points for the in-game gift worth 300 coins are calculated as 360 points.

[0069] In addition, the gift point derivation unit 131 may derive a higher gift point for the second support gift for a specific game than the gift point for the second support gift for other games, even if the value of the second support gift is equivalent. For example, when there is a newly released game A, the gift point derivation unit 131 may set a multiplier greater than 1 (for example, 1.25 times) for the second support gift for game A and grant 1.25 gift points per coin to the distributor. For games other than game A, the gift point derivation unit 131 may set a unit multiplier for the second support gift and grant 1 gift point per coin to the distributor.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the game "bbbbb" is the game on sale, and the gift points for the second support gift are calculated at a rate of 1.2 for the game "bbbbb." Therefore, the gift points for the in-game gift worth 300 coins are calculated as 360 points.

[0071] (6) Second Change Example In the above-described embodiment, the broadcaster's gaming proficiency is not directly reflected in the overall broadcaster ranking. However, if the broadcaster's gaming proficiency were reflected in the overall broadcaster ranking, it is believed that this would increase the broadcaster's motivation to play games more, which would ultimately lead to the revitalization of live game streaming services.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of distribution server 100 according to this modified example.

[0073] The distribution server 100 according to this modified example further includes a score point derivation unit 135 that derives score points for each distributor based on the in-game score of each game during a collection period. The in-game score is a score that increases in the game as the game progresses. A distributor who has a high in-game score can be said to be a distributor who is devoted to the game.

[0074] For example, the score point derivation unit 135 records and manages the highest in-game score (high score) for each broadcaster within a collection period in the score status DB 123 for each game. The score point derivation unit 135 derives score points for each game by converting the recorded in-game scores at a predetermined rate. The conversion rate used at this time may be set individually for each game depending on the difficulty level of the game, etc. Then, the ranking determination unit 133 determines an overall ranking of each broadcaster within a collection period spanning multiple games based on the total of the gift points, viewing time points, and score points.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of distribution server 100 according to this modified example.

[0076] In step S21, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to the broadcaster during a collection period in the game live streaming service. The viewing time point derivation unit 132 derives viewing time points for each broadcaster based on the number of viewers who watched game play videos during a collection period in the game live streaming service and the viewing time of the viewers. The score point derivation unit 135 derives score points for each broadcaster based on the in-game scores of each game during the collection period.

[0077] In step S22, the ranking determination unit 133 determines an overall ranking (overall distributor ranking) of each distributor within a counting period spanning multiple games based on the sum of the gift points (total gift points) derived by the gift point derivation unit 131, the viewing time points (total viewing time points) derived by the viewing time point derivation unit 132, and the score points (total score points) derived by the score point derivation unit 135. Specifically, the ranking determination unit 133 determines the ranking (overall distributor ranking) of each distributor by ranking the distributors in descending order of the calculated ranking points.

[0078] In step S23, the ranking publishing unit 134 performs a process of publishing the overall distributor rankings determined by the ranking determination unit 133.

[0079] In this modified example, the score point derivation unit 135 derives score points for each broadcaster based on the in-game scores of each game during the counting period, but the present invention is not limited to this. The score point derivation unit 135 may derive score points for each broadcaster based on an in-game action. An in-game action refers to an action (event) that occurs in the game. For example, the action may be a fever that occurs when a predetermined condition is met, or a stage clear of the game. A fever refers to a process that generates a special effect in the game for a certain period of time to promote the progress of the game. The score point derivation unit 135 may derive score points so as to increase the score points according to, for example, an increase in the number of fever occurrences and / or an increase in the number of stage clears.

[0080] (7) Third Change Example In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which only a certain period is used as a counting period to determine the ranking of each broadcaster has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The ranking determination unit 133 may first determine the ranking of each broadcaster for each of a plurality of first periods as a counting period. For example, the ranking determination unit 133 may determine the ranking of each broadcaster for each of the months of January, February, and March as a counting period. In this example, the months of January, February, and March can be regarded as a qualifying period prior to the main tournament.

[0081] Secondly, the ranking determination unit 133 may identify a predetermined number of top ranked broadcasters in each of the multiple first periods. For example, the ranking determination unit 133 may identify broadcasters ranked 1st to 5th (or 1st to 10th) for each of January, February, and March. Here, the top ranked broadcasters in January may be excluded from the February ranking as broadcasters who have been confirmed to participate in the main tournament, or may be included in the February ranking. In the latter case, the top ranked broadcasters in January may be excluded and the broadcasters ranked 1st to 5th (or 1st to 10th) may be identified.

[0082] Thirdly, the ranking determination unit 133 may determine a distributor ranking with a counting period being a second period following the first periods, with only a predetermined number of top ranked distributors in each of the first periods as the target. For example, the ranking determination unit 133 may determine a distributor ranking with a counting period being April, with only the top ranked distributors in January, February, and March as the target. In this example, April can be considered as the main competition period. As a result, the top ranked distributors in April are determined as the final top ranked distributors.

[0083] According to this modification, it is possible to increase the motivation of the distributor to continue distribution for a long period of time. Also, even if an advanced game distributor is unable to participate in the ranking during a specific first period due to absence or the like, he or she can participate in the ranking during another first period.

[0084] (8) Fourth Change Example In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the broadcaster broadcasts the game appropriately, but some broadcasters may broadcast inappropriately on the game live streaming service. For example, it is possible that a broadcaster broadcasts an introduction / advertisement for himself or his products / services, etc., without broadcasting a gameplay video on the game live streaming service, or broadcasts a gameplay video of a game that is not targeted by the game live streaming service.

[0085] Therefore, in this modified example, only when a broadcaster appropriately broadcasts a game, the broadcast of the game can be reflected in the ranking. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast server 100 according to this modified example. The broadcast server 100 according to this modified example further includes a confirmation unit 136. When a broadcaster selects a game for which a gameplay video is to be broadcast and then broadcasts the game live, the confirmation unit 136 confirms whether or not the broadcaster is broadcasting a gameplay video of the selected game. Specifically, the confirmation unit 136 monitors the broadcast status of each broadcaster, and confirms whether or not the broadcaster is actually playing the game for which the broadcaster selected (declared) the broadcast of the gameplay video.

[0086] Then, when the distributor is not distributing the gameplay video of the selected game, the gift point derivation unit 131 is controlled not to derive gift points and the viewing time point derivation unit 132 is controlled not to derive viewing time points for the distribution action performed by the distributor. In other words, when a distributor is distributing inappropriate content, neither gift points nor viewing time points are added for the distribution. This type of control can also be applied to the score point derivation unit 135 according to the second modified example.

[0087] (9) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the ranking determination unit 133 determines the ranking of each broadcaster across multiple games as an overall broadcaster ranking. In this case, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives the gift points for each broadcaster across multiple games, the viewing time point derivation unit 132 derives viewing time points for each broadcaster across multiple games, and the ranking determination unit 133 determines the ranking of each broadcaster across multiple games (overall broadcaster ranking).

[0088] However, the ranking determination unit 133 may determine a ranking of each broadcaster for a specific game (also referred to as a "game individual ranking"). In this case, the gift point derivation unit 131 derives gift points for the specific game for each broadcaster, the viewing time point derivation unit 132 derives viewing time points for the specific game for each broadcaster, and the ranking determination unit 133 determines a ranking of each broadcaster for the specific game (game individual ranking). Even in this case, by determining a ranking that takes viewing time points into consideration, it is possible to appropriately rank broadcasters in a game live streaming service.

[0089] 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.

[0090] A transaction support program may be provided that causes a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiments. The transaction support program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the transaction support program in a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the transaction support 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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]

[0093] 1: Distribution system 10: Network 100: Distribution server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 121: Gift Status DB 122: Viewing status DB 123: Score status DB 130: Processing section 131: Gift point derivation section 132: Viewing time point derivation unit 133: Ranking Decision Section 134: Ranking Publication Section 135: Score point derivation part 136: Verification Section 200: Game server 300: Terminal

Claims

1. A distribution system that provides a game live distribution service that distributes gameplay videos of distributors to viewers, a gift point derivation unit that derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to the broadcaster during a collection period in the game live broadcasting service; a viewing time point derivation unit that derives a viewing time point for each of the distributors based on the number of viewers who watched the game play video in the game live streaming service during the collection period and the viewing time of the viewers; a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each of the distributors within the aggregation period based on the total of the gift points and the viewing time points. Delivery system.

2. the gift point derivation unit derives the gift points for each of the distributors across a plurality of games; the viewing time point derivation unit derives the viewing time points for each of the broadcasters across the plurality of games; The ranking determination unit determines a ranking of each of the distributors across the plurality of games. The distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The gift point derivation unit derives the gift points for each of the distributors for a specific game; the viewing time point derivation unit derives the viewing time points for the specific game for each of the broadcasters; The ranking determination unit determines a ranking of each of the distributors for the specific game. The distribution system according to claim 1 .

4. The gift point derivation unit derives the gift points for each of the distributors for a first support gift that is used exclusively for the ranking across the multiple games. The distribution system according to claim 2.

5. The gift point derivation unit further derives the gift points for each of the distributors, with a target of an in-game gift that provides an item that can be used in each game and / or a second support gift that is used for rankings for each game. The distribution system according to claim 4.

6. The gift point derivation unit derives the gift points of the first support gift higher than the gift points of the in-game gift and / or the gift points of the second support gift even if the first support gift, the in-game gift, and the second support gift have equivalent values. The distribution system according to claim 5 .

7. The gift point derivation unit derives gift points of the in-game gift for a specific game higher than gift points of the in-game gift for another game even if the in-game gifts have equivalent values. The distribution system according to claim 5.

8. The gift point derivation unit derives gift points of the second support gift for a specific game higher than gift points of the second support gift for another game even if the value of the second support gift is equivalent. The distribution system according to claim 5.

9. The viewing time point derivation unit derives the viewing time points only for viewers who have provided comments to a distributor in the game live distribution service. The distribution system according to claim 1 .

10. A score point derivation unit that derives score points for each distributor based on an in-game score and / or an in-game action for each game during the aggregation period, The ranking determination unit determines a ranking of each of the distributors within the aggregation period based on the total of the gift points, the viewing time points, and the score points. A distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The ranking determination unit: determining a ranking of each of the distributors for each of a plurality of first periods as the aggregation period; Identifying a predetermined number of top ranked individuals in each of the plurality of first periods; A distributor ranking is determined for only the predetermined number of top ranked distributors in each of the plurality of first periods, with a second period following the plurality of first periods being the aggregation period. A distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. a confirmation unit that, when the broadcaster selects a game for which a gameplay video is to be broadcast and then broadcasts the game live, confirms whether the broadcaster is broadcasting a gameplay video of the selected game, When the distributor is not distributing the play video of the selected game, the gift point derivation unit is controlled not to derive the gift points and the viewing time point derivation unit is controlled not to derive the viewing time points for the distribution action performed by the distributor. A distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A program for use in a distribution system that provides a game live distribution service that distributes gameplay videos of distributors to viewers, the program comprising: a gift point derivation unit that derives gift points for each broadcaster based on gifts given by viewers to the broadcaster during a collection period in the game live broadcasting service; a viewing time point derivation unit that derives a viewing time point for each of the distributors based on the number of viewers who watched the game play video in the game live streaming service during the collection period and the viewing time of the viewers; a ranking determination unit that determines a ranking of each of the distributors within the aggregation period based on the total of the gift points and the viewing time points. program.

Images