Game live distribution server and program

Abstract

To provide a game distribution server and a program capable of maintaining a viewer's motivation to keep supporting a distributor.SOLUTION: A game live distribution server 2 for performing live distribution, to a viewer, of a play moving image of a game by a distributor includes a viewer reward imparting unit 226 for imparting a reward to the viewer according to at least one of the number of times of the viewer's presentation of gifts to the distributor, a total billing amount for the gifts to the distributor, viewing time of the play moving image, and a frequency of participation in the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a live game distribution server and a program. [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 become available in which a distributor distributes a game play to a large number of viewers' terminals in real time (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Some of the various distribution systems that perform live distribution of such games are equipped with a function that allows various kinds of support actions to be taken for the game distributor.

[0004] For example, some live game distribution systems are equipped with a function that allows viewers to vote for broadcasters, thereby enabling the broadcasters to increase their ranking among other broadcasters (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Furthermore, some live game distribution systems are equipped with a function that allows viewers to give gift content that can be used within the game to the distributor (see Patent Document 2).

[0006] Some live game distribution systems are equipped with a tipping function. This tipping function allows viewers to give real currency (yen, dollars, etc.), virtual currency, or in-game currency that can only be used in the game to the distributor through the live game distribution system, and these currencies, virtual currencies, and in-game currencies are called tips. Some games are designed to create advantageous effects for the distributor in the game depending on the amount of tips from viewers.

[0007] In this way, by a viewer performing a predetermined cheering action for a distributor, the viewer can support a distributor he or she likes or use the action as an opportunity to communicate with the distributor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-165868 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-128459 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the conventional live game distribution system, the act of cheering creates an advantageous situation for the streamer, such as raising the streamer's ranking in the game, while the viewer only feels self-satisfied that the streamer they are cheering for has been given an advantageous situation. This weakens the sense of unity between the viewer and the streamer, making it difficult for the viewer to maintain motivation to cheer on the streamer.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a live game streaming server and program that can maintain viewers' motivation to continue supporting the streamer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention is characterized in that it is a live game streaming server that live-streams a game play video by a broadcaster to a viewer, and is equipped with a viewer reward awarding unit that awards a reward to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given gifts to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for gifts to the broadcaster, the viewing time of the game play video, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game.

[0012] It is preferable that the live streaming server for the above game further includes a ranking determination unit that determines an in-game ranking of the broadcaster based on the broadcaster's performance in the game, and the viewer reward granting unit grants the reward to the viewer when the in-game ranking of the broadcaster exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0013] In addition, it is preferable that the live streaming server of the above game further includes a point tallying unit that tallys up points earned by the broadcaster in the game, and the viewer reward awarding unit awards the reward to the viewer when the points earned by the broadcaster exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0014] In addition, it is preferable that the live streaming server of the above game further includes a cheering score calculation unit that calculates a cheering score of the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given the gift to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for the gift, the viewing time, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game, and the viewer reward awarding unit awards a reward to the viewer based on the cheering score.

[0015] In addition, it is preferable that the live streaming server for the above game further includes a ranking determination unit that determines an in-game ranking of the broadcaster based on the broadcaster's performance in the game, and the support score calculation unit calculates the support score when the in-game ranking of the broadcaster exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0016] In addition, it is preferable that the live streaming server for the above game further includes a point tallying unit that tallys up points earned by the broadcaster in the game, and the cheering score calculation unit calculates the cheering score when the points earned by the broadcaster exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0017] In addition, in the live distribution server for the game, it is preferable that the gift is an item that produces an advantageous effect when used in the game.

[0018] In addition, in the live distribution server for the game, it is preferable that the gift is at least one of currency, virtual currency, and in-game currency that can be used only within the game.

[0019] In addition, in the above-mentioned live distribution server for the game, it is preferable that the reward is an item, currency, or virtual currency that provides an advantageous effect when used in the game.

[0020] The present invention is also characterized in that it is a program for live streaming of a game, in which a broadcaster live-streams a game play video to viewers, and causes a computer to execute a viewer reward granting process that grants a reward to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given gifts to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for gifts to the broadcaster, the viewing time of the game play video, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, when a viewer supports a broadcaster, the viewer is also given a reward, which makes it possible for the viewer to maintain motivation to continue supporting the broadcaster. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a live game distribution system to which a live game distribution server according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a live game distribution server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a live game distribution server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing specific examples of databases stored in a storage means of a live streaming server for a game according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a distributor database, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a viewer database. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on a viewer terminal communicating with a live streaming server of a game according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing by a live game distribution server according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, a live game distribution system to which a live game distribution server according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a live game distribution system 1 to which a live game distribution server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the live game distribution system 1 according to this embodiment includes a live game distribution server 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "server 2"), a distributor terminal 3 connected to the server 2 via a network N, and multiple viewer terminals 4 (4A, 4B, ..., 4N).

[0025] In this embodiment, the live game distribution system 1 is a system that enables a gameplay video distributed by a user who becomes a distributor to be provided to one or more users who become viewers in real time.

[0026] Specifically, in a game live distribution system 1, a server 2 provides one or more games, and each user accesses the server 2 from their own terminal (a distributor terminal 3 or a viewer terminal 4) to transmit game operation information from the terminal to the server 2, the server 2 performs various information processing within the game based on the operation information and transmits the results of the information processing to the user's terminal, and the user's terminal displays gameplay video based on the results of the information processing. In other words, the user's terminal only generates and transmits game operation information and receives and draws gameplay video, and all other information processing related to the game is performed by the server 2.

[0027] Furthermore, when a user who plays the game wishes to live-broadcast his / her gameplay video, the server 2 provides the gameplay video to the viewer terminal 4 of the viewer who wishes to receive the video.

[0028] The distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 are terminals equipped with communication functions, voice call functions, recording and video recording functions, operation functions, and display functions, and are terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and PCs that can play various games and distribute or view the gameplay videos by accessing the server 2 via installed programs. The distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 are also equipped with chat functions and call functions. The distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 are basically the same terminal, and when a user who wants to distribute starts live game distribution through the terminal, the terminal functions as the distributor terminal 3, while when a user who wants to view the distributed video starts viewing through the terminal, the terminal functions as the viewer terminal 4.

[0029] 2 is a configuration block diagram of a live game distribution server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls the entire server 2, a storage unit 25, and a communication unit 26.

[0030] The control unit 21 includes a CPU 22 that controls the entire control unit 21, a ROM 23 that stores control programs and the like that run on the CPU 22, and a RAM 24 for temporarily storing various data.

[0031] 3 is a functional block diagram of the live game distribution server 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 21 functions as a game providing unit 221, a video distribution unit 222, a ranking determination unit 224, a cheering score calculation unit 225, and a viewer reward granting unit 226 by the CPU 22 expanding a program stored in the ROM 23 into the RAM 24 and executing it.

[0032] The game providing unit 221 provides a game to the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 based on one or more game data stored in the storage means 25. As described above, the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 only generate and transmit game operation information and draw gameplay videos, and all other information processing related to the game is performed by the game providing unit 221. In other words, the game providing unit 221 performs various information processing within the game based on the operation information transmitted from the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4, and transmits the results of the information processing to the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4. The distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 then display the gameplay videos based on the results of the information processing received by the game providing unit 221.

[0033] Furthermore, at least some of the games provided by the game providing unit 221 allow viewers to support the broadcaster. In this embodiment, the support includes not only the giving of gifts, but also the act of watching the game broadcast by the viewer. The gifts are at least one of items, currency, virtual currency, and in-game currency that can be used in the game and have an advantageous effect when used in the game. In this embodiment, the viewer can obtain any of the gifts for a fee and give them to the broadcaster.

[0034] When the video distribution unit 222 receives information indicating that live distribution of the game will start from the distributor terminal 3, it distributes the gameplay video to those distributor terminals 3 that wish to watch the gameplay video of the game among those that access the server 2. When distributing this gameplay video, the video distribution unit 222 may distribute the video data as is, or may distribute the video after applying a predetermined process.

[0035] The points tallying unit 223 tallies up the points acquired by the distributor in the game. Details regarding points will be described later.

[0036] The ranking determination unit 224 determines the in-game ranking of a distributor according to the distributor's game performance within a predetermined period (ranking determination period). The ranking determination period is, for example, one month from the 1st to the last day of each month, and the ranking determined on the last day of the month is applied from the 1st to the last day of the following month. The in-game ranking is, for example, a ranking of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, ..., Nth (N is a natural number) determined based on the results of a match game. The ranking determination unit 224 manages the in-game ranking of a distributor in an updatable manner using a distributor database DB1 stored in the storage means 25 (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0037] The support score calculation unit 225 calculates the support score of the viewer according to at least one of the number of gifts given by the viewer to the distributor as the support performance during a predetermined period (support performance evaluation period), the total amount charged for the gifts, the viewing time, and the number of participations in the game played by the distributor. The support performance evaluation period is, for example, one month from the 1st to the last day of each month, the same as the ranking determination period, and the support score determined in that month is applied from the 1st to the last day of the following month. The support score is calculated as the sum of, for example, the number of gifts multiplied by a correction coefficient of 50, the amount charged, and the value obtained by multiplying a unit time of 10 minutes of viewing time by a correction coefficient of 10 (viewing time less than 10 minutes is rounded down). The support score calculation unit 225 manages each item of the support performance and the support score calculated based on them in an updateable manner using the viewer database DB2 stored in the storage means 25 (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0038] The viewer reward granting unit 226 grants a reward to the viewer according to the cheering score. Specifically, the viewer reward granting unit 226 grants a reward to the viewer every time the viewer's cheering score exceeds a predetermined threshold. The reward is a currency or virtual currency, and for example, the viewer reward granting unit 226 sets a predetermined threshold for every 1000, such as 1000, 2000, 3000, ..., and performs a process of transferring 100 yen to a pre-designated account as a reward to the viewer every time the viewer's cheering score exceeds the threshold. Since the reward to the viewer is a currency or virtual currency, the viewer can obtain a direct economic benefit, and this can increase the viewer's motivation to try hard to support the distributor.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a database stored in a storage means of a live streaming server of a game according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a distributor database, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a viewer database.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the broadcaster database DB1 stores broadcaster user IDs, game achievements such as the number of wins, losses, and draws (here, a tennis game is used as an example) (see Fig. 5), points awarded for wins, losses, and draws, and broadcaster rankings based on points, all of which are associated with each other and can be updated. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 4(a), the broadcaster with user ID 0001 has 5 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in the game, and has 18 points based on these wins, losses, and draws, and is ranked 3rd among all broadcasters based on points, all of which are stored in the broadcaster database DB1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the viewer database DB2 stores the number of gifts given to the broadcaster as the support record, the total amount charged for the gifts, and the viewing time of the broadcast by a specific broadcaster, in association with each other and in an updateable state, together with the user ID of the viewer. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 4(b), for a viewer with user ID 0021, the number of gifts given is 5, the total amount charged for the gifts is 1500 yen, and the viewing time for the broadcaster with user ID 0001 is 6 hours 11 minutes 52 seconds, and the support score calculated by the support score calculation unit 225 based on these support records is stored as 2120 in the viewer database DB2. Note that, in the viewer database DB2, an item for the viewing time corresponding to the broadcaster is added each time a broadcaster who has watched a video is added.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 2, the server 2 includes, in addition to the control unit 21, a storage unit 25 and a communication unit .

[0043] The storage means 25 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk, a semiconductor storage device, etc. The storage means 25 stores various databases such as data related to various games, a distributor database DB1, a viewer database DB2, etc., which are necessary for the server 2 to function.

[0044] The communication unit 26 is a network interface and communicates with the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 via the network N. The communication unit 26 passes various data received from the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 to the control unit 21, and transmits data generated by the control unit 21 to the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of live streaming by the live game streaming system 1 having the above-mentioned configuration. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on a viewer terminal 4 that communicates with the live game streaming server 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5, during live game streaming, a video window V, a chat window C, a chat input window I, an avatar window A, a gift icon G, and a menu button M for calling up various operation menus are displayed on the viewer terminal 4.

[0046] The video window V is a window in which a video of a distributor playing a game, distributed from the video distributor 222, is displayed.

[0047] In this embodiment, video window V displays a video of a tennis game being played, along with the broadcaster, player P, and his name ("Honoka").

[0048] Also, in the video window V, a like button L is displayed for giving a high rating to the distributor ("Honoka") who distributes the gameplay video. When a viewer taps the like button L, like rating information for the distributor is transmitted from the viewer terminal 4 to the server 2, and a like rating management unit (not shown) counts the total number of likes for the distributor in the game, and the total number is displayed as the total number of likes S in the video window V of the distributor terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the total number of likes S is "117", which indicates that the viewers have given 117 likes to the distributor who distributes the game. In this embodiment, it is assumed that each viewer can give a like once, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each viewer may give a like multiple times or an unlimited number of likes. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the like rating is given free of charge, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the viewer may give it for a fee. The total number of likes S is updatable and is updated every time a like is given.

[0049] Chat window C is a window in which chat using text and emoticons is displayed, and shows the names of the viewers who are speaking ("Aoi", "Hinata") and the comments made by each speaker ("Nice to meet you!" or "This is your chance!").

[0050] The chat input window I is a window for inputting comments to be displayed in the chat window C. A viewer who wishes to make a comment inputs characters or pictograms into this chat input window I using the character input function of the viewer terminal 4 and transmits the character data to the server 2, whereupon the characters are displayed in the chat window C of the viewer terminal 4. The contents of this chat are also displayed on the distributor terminal 3.

[0051] The avatar window A displays the name of the streamer ("Honoka") along with the avatar a corresponding to the streamer. Each user can design the avatar a as they wish, and can equip it with various accessories.

[0052] The gift icon G is an icon selected when a viewer wishes to give gift content to a distributor, and by selecting this icon, a list of gift contents that can be given based on the gift database is displayed on the viewer terminal 4. Then, when the viewer selects the gift content that he or she wishes to give from the list of gift contents for a fee, a gift request is transmitted from the viewer terminal 4 to the server 2, and a gift management section (not shown) of the server 2 receives this, extracts the specified gift content from the gift database DB according to the gift request, and provides it to the distributor.

[0053] Next, the operation of the server 2 having the above-mentioned configuration and functions will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the process performed by the live game distribution server 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, first, a viewer operates the viewer terminal 4 to transmit a request to the server 2 to view a live broadcast of a game by a predetermined broadcaster (step S1).

[0055] Next, the video distribution unit 222 distributes the play video of the distributor to the viewer terminal 4 (step S2). The distributed video data is displayed in a video window V of the viewer terminal 4 as shown in FIG.

[0056] Next, the ranking determination unit 224 determines the in-game ranking of the distributor according to the acquired points, which are the distributor's achievements in the game (step S3).

[0057] Then, if the in-game ranking of the distributor determined by the ranking determination unit 224 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (step S4: YES), the support score calculation unit 225 calculates the support score of the viewer according to at least one of the number of gifts given, the total amount charged for gifts, and the video viewing time, which are the viewer's support performance for the distributor (step S5). Here, if the predetermined threshold for the in-game ranking of the distributor is the in-game ranking being third or higher, the support score calculation unit 225 calculates the support score of the viewer who has performed a supportive act for the distributor when the in-game ranking of the distributor is third or higher.

[0058] Next, the viewer reward giving unit 226 gives a reward, which is currency or virtual currency, to the viewer according to the viewer's cheering score calculated by the cheering score calculation unit 225 (step S6), and the process of giving the reward to the viewer is completed.

[0059] Furthermore, if the in-game ranking of the distributor is not above the threshold in step S4 (step S4: NO), the support score calculation unit 225 does not calculate the support score, and the viewer reward award unit 226 does not award a reward to the viewer, and the process of awarding rewards to the viewer ends.

[0060] According to the live streaming server 2 of the game according to the present embodiment described above, when a viewer supports a broadcaster, the viewer is given a reward that directly benefits the viewer, thereby making it possible for the viewer to maintain motivation to continue supporting the broadcaster.

[0061] Furthermore, by configuring the support score calculation unit 225 to calculate the viewer's support score and not provide a reward to the viewer unless the in-game ranking of the broadcaster reaches a threshold value or higher, the motivation of the viewer to work hard to support the broadcaster so that the broadcaster can exceed the threshold value can be increased. Also, even for a broadcaster that was not originally a target of support, if the in-game ranking is likely to reach a threshold value or higher, the viewer will be motivated to support the broadcaster and receive a reward, and by continuing to support the broadcaster based on such motivation, it is possible to create an opportunity for the viewer to eventually become a fan.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

[0063] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the broadcaster terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 only generate and transmit game operation information and draw gameplay videos, and all other information processing related to the game is performed by the server 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the broadcaster terminal 3 and the viewer terminal 4 may perform at least a part of the information processing that was performed by the server 2 in the above-described embodiment, other than generating and transmitting game operation information and drawing gameplay videos.

[0064] In the above embodiment, if the in-game ranking of the broadcaster does not exceed a predetermined threshold, the support score calculation unit 225 does not calculate the support score of the viewer, so that the viewer is not given a reward. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The support score calculation unit 225 may calculate the support score of the viewer regardless of the in-game ranking of the broadcaster, and the viewer reward giving unit 226 may not give a reward to the viewer if the in-game ranking of the broadcaster does not exceed a predetermined threshold. This can also increase the viewer's motivation to try hard to support the broadcaster so that the in-game ranking of the broadcaster exceeds the threshold.

[0065] Alternatively, instead of the in-game ranking of the distributor, when the points acquired by the distributor in the game exceed a predetermined threshold, the cheering score calculation unit 225 may not calculate the cheering score, or the viewer reward granting unit 226 may not grant a reward to the viewer. This can also increase the motivation of the viewer to try hard to cheer so that the points of the distributor exceed the threshold.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the viewer performs a cheering action for the distributor, the record of the cheering action is converted into a cheering score and managed, and the viewer reward granting unit 226 grants a reward to the viewer according to the cheering score. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be in a form in which the viewer reward granting unit 226 grants a reward directly according to the cheering record such as the number of gifts given as described above, without using the cheering score. However, by using the cheering score, it is possible to easily weight the value of each gift record such as the number of gifts given, and to create a reward system that is more in accordance with the degree of contribution to the distributor.

[0067] Furthermore, in the game provided by the server 2, the cheering act performed by the viewer for the broadcaster may include participation in the game being played by the broadcaster, and the number of times the viewer has participated in this game may be included as the viewer's cheering record. For example, the viewer may make a request to participate in the game, and the broadcaster may approve the request, allowing the viewer to participate in the game being played by the broadcaster. The viewer who participates in the game may play cooperatively with the broadcaster, which may provide an opportunity for interaction between the viewer and the broadcaster. The cheering score calculation unit 225 also sets a cheering score for the number of times the viewer has participated in the game, and manages the score using the viewer database DB2 described above.

[0068] Furthermore, the reward given to the viewer by the viewer reward giving unit 226 may include an actual item, such as game-related goods. In this case, each viewer registers a delivery destination of the item, such as his / her address, in advance in the server 2. Then, when an item is given to a viewer as a reward by the viewer reward giving unit 226, the item is delivered to the delivery destination registered in the server 2. This embodiment can also increase the motivation of the viewer to try hard to support the streamer.

[0069] <Other embodiments> A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute each process performed by the server 2. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program in the 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.

[0070] The terms "based on" and "depending on / in response to" used in this disclosure do not mean "based only on" or "only in response to" unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on". Similarly, the term "in response to" means both "only in response to" and "at least in part on". 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" 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.

[0071] (Appendix 1) A live game distribution server 2 that distributes live game play videos of distributors to viewers, A live game streaming server (2) is provided with a viewer reward granting unit (226) that grants rewards to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given gifts to the streamer, the total amount charged for gifts to the streamer, the viewing time of the gameplay video, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game.

[0072] (Appendix 2) A ranking determination unit 224 is further provided to determine an in-game ranking of the distributor according to the distributor's performance in the game, The live streaming server 2 of the game according to claim 1, wherein the viewer reward granting unit 226 grants the reward to the viewer when the in-game ranking of the distributor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0073] (Appendix 3) A point tallying unit 223 that tallies up points acquired by the distributor in the game, The live streaming server 2 of the game according to claim 1, wherein the viewer reward granting unit 226 grants the reward to the viewer when the points acquired by the broadcaster exceed a predetermined threshold.

[0074] (Appendix 4) The support score calculation unit 225 calculates a support score of the viewer according to at least one of the number of times the viewer has given the gift to the distributor, the total amount charged for the gift, the viewing time, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game, The viewer reward giving unit 226 is the live distribution server 2 of the game according to appendix 1, which gives a reward to the viewer according to the cheering score.

[0075] (Appendix 5) A ranking determination unit 224 that determines an in-game ranking of the distributor according to the distributor's performance in the game, The live distribution server 2 of the game described in Appendix 3, wherein the support score calculation unit 225 calculates the support score when the in-game ranking of the distributor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0076] (Appendix 6) A point tallying unit 223 that tallies up points acquired by the distributor in the game, The live distribution server 2 of the game described in Appendix 4, wherein the support score calculation unit 225 calculates the support score when the points acquired by the distributor exceed a predetermined threshold value.

[0077] (Appendix 7) A live streaming server 2 for a game according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the gift is an item that produces an advantageous effect when used in the game.

[0078] (Appendix 8) A live streaming server 2 for a game according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the gift is at least one of currency, virtual currency, and in-game currency that can be used in the game.

[0079] (Appendix 9) A live streaming server 2 for a game as described in Appendix 1, wherein the reward is an item, currency, or virtual currency that produces an advantageous effect when used in the game.

[0080] (Appendix 10) A program for live streaming of a game in which a distributor live-streams a game play video to viewers, A program for causing a computer to execute a viewer reward awarding process that awards a reward to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given gifts to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for gifts to the broadcaster, the viewing time of the gameplay video, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Live game streaming system 2: Live game streaming server 3: Distributor terminal 4: Viewer terminal 21: Control unit 22: CPU 23:ROM 24:RAM 25: Memory means 26: Communications Department 221: Game Provider 222: Video Distribution Department 223: Point calculation section 224: Ranking Decision Department 225: Cheering Score Calculation Department 226: Viewer Reward Department A:Avatar Window a:Avatar C: Chat window DB: Index value database G: Gift icon I: Chat input window M: Menu button P: Player (distributor) L: Like button S: Total number of likes V: Video window

Claims

1. A live game distribution server that distributes live game play videos of distributors to viewers, A live game streaming server comprising a viewer reward awarding unit that awards rewards to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer gives gifts to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for gifts to the broadcaster, the viewing time of the gameplay video, and the number of times the viewer participates in the game.

2. A ranking determination unit determines an in-game ranking of the distributor according to the distributor's performance in the game, The live game distribution server according to claim 1 , wherein the viewer reward granting unit grants the reward to the viewer when the in-game ranking of the distributor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

3. A point tallying unit that tallies points acquired by the distributor in the game, The game live distribution server according to claim 1 , wherein the viewer reward granting unit grants the reward to the viewer when the points acquired by the distributor exceed a predetermined threshold.

4. a cheering score calculation unit that calculates a cheering score of the viewer according to at least one of the number of times the viewer has given the gift to the distributor, the total amount charged for the gift, the viewing time, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game; The game live distribution server according to claim 1 , wherein the viewer reward giving unit gives a reward to the viewer according to the cheering score.

5. A ranking determination unit determines an in-game ranking of the distributor according to the distributor's performance in the game, The live game distribution server according to claim 4 , wherein the cheering score calculation unit calculates the cheering score when the in-game ranking of the distributor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

6. A point tallying unit that tallies points acquired by the distributor in the game, The game live distribution server according to claim 4 , wherein the cheering score calculation unit calculates the cheering score when the points acquired by the distributor exceed a predetermined threshold value.

7. 7. The live game distribution server according to claim 1, wherein the gift is an item that provides an advantageous effect when used in the game.

8. The live game distribution server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gift is at least one of currency, virtual currency, and in-game currency that can be used only within the game.

9. The live game distribution server according to claim 1 , wherein the reward is an item, currency, or virtual currency that provides an advantageous effect when used in the game.

10. A program for live streaming of a game in which a distributor live-streams a game play video to viewers, A program for causing a computer to execute a viewer reward awarding process that awards a reward to the viewer based on at least one of the number of times the viewer has given gifts to the broadcaster, the total amount charged for gifts to the broadcaster, the viewing time of the gameplay video, and the number of times the viewer has participated in the game.

Images