Computer system and game system

Abstract

To enable a viewing user that has viewed a replay moving image of a game in which a second user performs a substitute play of a game play of a first user partially to grasp which period in the replay moving image is the substitute play by the second user.SOLUTION: A replay moving image of a game play by a first user which is reproduced and displayed is displayed on a viewing screen W1 displayed on a viewing terminal of a viewing user. In a reproduction time axis 22 of a reproduction bar 20 displayed outside an image IM of the replay moving image, a section corresponding to a substitute play period in which a substitute play is performed is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system and the like that provides replay videos to a viewing terminal so that the replay videos can be viewed. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a game system as one form of a game system that operates via a communication network such as the Internet, in which a user (first user) can share game images being played by another user (second user) while transferring the first user's game operation rights to the second user, allowing the second user to play the game on behalf of the first user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-042238 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the enjoyments related to games is posting a replay video of gameplay on a video sharing site for viewing by many viewers. However, in games such as those disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, game images during proxy play are shared, which may cause problems in that users who watch the replay video cannot determine whether the posted replay video shows gameplay in which proxy play was performed, and if proxy play was performed, which parts were the poster's own play and which parts were the proxy play.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable a viewing user, who watches a replay video of a game in which a second user plays part of the game play of a first user, to understand which periods in the replay video are the proxy plays by the second user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention for solving the above problem is: a replay video providing means (e.g., the replay video providing unit 212 of FIG. 12 ) for providing a replay video on a viewing terminal so as to be viewable based on data for the replay video when a second user plays part of a game play of a first user on behalf of the first user; a play period presentation control means (e.g., the play period presentation control unit 214 of FIG. 12) for controlling the viewing terminal to present a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed when the replay video providing means provides the replay video; The present invention relates to a computer system comprising:

[0007] Other inventions include: 1. A replay video providing method, in which a computer system provides a replay video that can be viewed on a viewing terminal based on data for the replay video when a second user plays part of a game play of a first user, the method comprising: obtaining data for the replay video; When providing the replay video, control is performed to cause the viewing terminal to display a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed; A replay video providing method including the steps of:

[0008] According to the first invention, it is possible for a viewing user who watches a replay video of a game in which a second user has played part of a first user's gameplay in proxy play to be able to ascertain which period in the replay video is the proxy play by the second user. That is, when a replay video of a gameplay in which proxy play was performed is provided so as to be viewable on a viewing terminal, a proxy play period and / or a non-proxy play period is presented. This allows the viewing user of the viewing terminal to easily ascertain which period in the replay video was the period in which proxy play was performed. Furthermore, when a non-proxy play period is presented, the viewing user can determine that the period other than the non-proxy play period is the proxy play period.

[0009] The second invention is the first invention, a playback timeline display control means (e.g., the playback timeline display control unit 216 in FIG. 12 ) for controlling display of a playback timeline of the replay video provided by the replay video providing means on the viewing terminal; Further comprising: the play period presentation control means performs control to cause the viewing terminal to present a section on the playback time axis that corresponds to the proxy play period and / or the non-proxy play period; It is a computer system.

[0010] According to the second invention, sections corresponding to proxy play periods and / or non-proxy play periods are presented on the playback timeline of the replay video, so that the viewing user can easily understand the proxy play periods in the replay video by looking at this display.

[0011] The third invention is the second invention, An explanation information acquisition unit (e.g., the posting management unit 210 in FIG. 12 ) for acquiring proxy play explanation information including at least one of information on the first user, information on the second user, and information on the play content of the proxy play; Further comprising: the play period presentation control means controls a display mode of a portion of the playback time axis indicating the section based on the proxy play instruction information; The computer system described herein is:

[0012] According to the third invention, the viewing user can grasp not only whether or not proxy play was performed, but also more detailed information regarding the proxy play, such as information about the first user who performed the game play and the second user who performed the proxy play, and the content of the proxy play that was performed.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a playback notification control means (for example, the playback notification control unit 218 in FIG. 12 ) for controlling notification to cause the viewing terminal to perform notification according to whether or not the proxy play is being played back when playing back the replay video provided by the replay video providing means; The computer system further comprises:

[0014] According to the fourth invention, when a replay video is played back, a notification is given according to whether or not a proxy play is being played back, so that the viewing user can easily understand from this notification whether or not the game play being played back is a proxy play.

[0015] The fifth invention relates to the fourth invention, the playback notification control means performs the notification control by displaying a given effect on the viewing terminal; It is a computer system.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a given effect is displayed as a notification according to whether or not proxy play is being played. This allows the viewing user to easily understand whether or not the game play being played is proxy play by the displayed effect. As for the display of the effect, for example, the effect can be displayed only during proxy play and not during non-proxy play, or conversely, the effect can be displayed only during non-proxy play and not during proxy play, or different effects can be displayed during proxy play and non-proxy play.

[0017] The sixth invention is the fourth or fifth invention, the playback notification control means performs the notification control by display control for superimposing the playback notification on an image of the replay video; It is a computer system.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a superimposed display is provided on the image of the replay video as a notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played. This allows the viewing user to know whether or not a proxy play is being played by looking at the image of the replay video.

[0019] The seventh invention is the fourth or fifth invention, the playback notification control means performs the notification control by controlling display of the replay video outside the image; It is a computer system.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the replay video is displayed outside the image as a notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played. This allows the viewing user to know whether or not a proxy play is being played by looking at the replay image or its vicinity. In addition, it is possible to avoid the replay video becoming difficult to view due to the notification display overlapping.

[0021] The eighth invention is any one of the fourth to seventh inventions, the playback notification control means performs the notification control when the replay video being played back satisfies a given specific scene condition; It is a computer system.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the notification according to whether or not proxy play is being played is not always given, but is given when the replay video being played satisfies a given specific scene condition. For example, the specific scene condition may be a scene where proxy play is highly likely to have been performed, so that the viewing user can be reliably informed that proxy play is being performed.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the eighth aspect of the present invention, A specific scene condition setting means (for example, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 in FIG. 12) for setting the specific scene condition based on a setting operation of the first user; The computer system further comprises:

[0024] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the specific scene condition can be set based on the setting operation of the first user. This allows the first user to present to the viewing user that the scene is not a scene played by a proxy but a scene played by the first user.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present invention relates to the eighth aspect of the present invention, A specific scene condition setting means (for example, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 in FIG. 12) that sets the specific scene condition based on a play history of the first user; The computer system further comprises:

[0026] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the specific scene condition can be set based on the play history of the first user. This allows a scene that is likely to have been played by proxy to be set as the specific scene condition, for example, so that whether or not a scene is played by proxy can be presented to the viewing user.

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, a proxy play information presentation control means (e.g., the proxy play information presentation unit 222 of FIG. 12 ) for controlling the viewing terminal to present proxy play information including at least one of a time proportion of the proxy play period in the replay video, a length of the proxy play period, and user identification information of the second user; The computer system further comprises:

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, proxy play information including at least one of the time ratio of the proxy play period, the length of the period, and the second user identification information is presented to the viewing terminal. This allows the viewing user to grasp not only whether or not a proxy play was performed, but also more detailed information regarding the proxy play, such as the length of the period during which the proxy play was performed and who the second user who performed the proxy play is.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, The replay video providing means includes: a means for displaying on the viewing terminal a list of options of the replay videos that can be provided to the viewing terminal; a means for providing the replay video selected from the options to the viewing terminal; having the proxy play information presentation control means performs control to cause the viewing terminal to present the proxy play information in association with the option. It is a computer system.

[0030] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, proxy play information can be presented in association with options of the replay videos displayed in a list. This allows the viewing user to use the proxy play information presented in association with the options in selecting a replay video to view.

[0031] The thirteenth invention is A server system which is a computer system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention; The viewing terminal (e.g., the user terminal 1500c in FIG. 1), It is a game system equipped with the above.

[0032] According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to realize a game system which can provide the same effects as the first to twelfth aspects of the invention.

[0033] The fifteenth invention is A computer system a means for transmitting data of the replay video to a server system which controls the provision of a replay video that can be viewed on a viewing terminal based on the data of the replay video when a second user plays part of a game played by a first user on behalf of the first user (for example, the posting data transmission control unit 605b in FIG. 20); a means for transmitting data relating to a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed in the replay video to the server system (for example, the posting data transmission control unit 650b in FIG. 20); This is a program that functions as a

[0034] According to the fifteenth invention, a replay video of a game in which a second user plays part of a first user's gameplay on behalf of the first user can be posted to a server system, which can show periods of proxy play and / or periods of non-proxy play in the replay video. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] An example of a game system configuration. [Diagram 2] A video overview of the game system. [Diagram 3] An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 4] An example of the viewing screen. [Diagram 5] An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 6] An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 7] An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 8] An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 9]An example of the viewing screen. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a setting screen for specific scene conditions. [Figure 11] An example of the replay video selection screen. [Figure 12] 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of a server system. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of user management data. [Figure 14] An example of post management data. [Figure 15] An example of a specific scene condition list. [Figure 16] 13 shows an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a process for posting gameplay and replay videos. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of a process related to viewing a replay video. [Figure 19] Another example of the viewing screen. [Figure 20] 13 is another example of a user terminal. [Figure 21] An example of posted data. [Figure 22] Another example of a game system. [Figure 23] Another example of a game system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0037] [Game System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. According to Fig. 1, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a server system 1000 connectable to a communication network N, and a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c, ...) that access the server system 1000 via the communication network N and can communicate with the server system 1000.

[0038] The communication network N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication network N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., as well as a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0039] The server system 1000 is a computer system having a main unit 1010, a keyboard 1002, a display 1004, and a storage 1030, with a control board 1020 mounted on the main unit 1010.

[0040] The control board 1020 is equipped with various processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) 1021, a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a digital signal processor (DSP), various IC memories 1022 such as a video random access memory (VRAM), a random access memory (RAM), and a read-only memory (ROM), and a communication device 1023. Note that a part or the whole of the control board 1020 may be realized by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system on a chip (SoC). These arithmetic circuits can also be called processors. The server system 1000 realizes various services for operating the game of this embodiment by the control board 1020 performing arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program and data. For example, it realizes a user management function related to user registration, a game management function for managing the execution control of the game on the user terminal 1500, a posting management function for acquiring data of a replay video of game play from the user terminal 1500, and a video provision function for providing the replay video to the user terminal 1500 so that the replay video can be viewed.

[0041] 1, the server system 1000 may be configured to include multiple blade servers each assigned to one function, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, the server system 1000 may be configured to function as a whole as multiple independent servers installed at separate locations communicating data via a communication line.

[0042] The user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c, . . . ) are computer systems that are used individually by the users 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, . . . ) to post and view gameplay and replay videos, and are electronic devices (electronic equipment) that can access the server system 1000 via the communication network N. The user terminal 1500 of this embodiment will be described as a device called a smartphone in terms of hardware, but it may also be a portable game device, a game controller, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a home game device, an arcade game device, or the like. In addition, it is not limited to a single device as shown in FIG. 1, and may be a configuration in which multiple devices work together to function as an integrated whole.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the game system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the game implemented in the game system 1 is a game in which another user 3b (hereinafter, referred to as "second user") can partially play the game on behalf of a user 3a (hereinafter, referred to as "first user") by operating his / her own user terminal 1500a (hereinafter, referred to as "first terminal") as appropriate. The proxy play by the second user can be performed at any timing during the game play of the first user. In the proxy play, the second user has the operation right of the game play, and the second user operates his / her own user terminal 1500b (hereinafter, referred to as "second terminal") to play the game in place of the first user. During the proxy play, the first user cannot play the game by operating the first terminal.

[0044] The server system 1000 controls the game play of a first user who operates a first terminal. During the game play by the first user (referred to as "non-proxy play" as opposed to proxy play in which a second user has the operation rights instead of the first user), the server system 1000 controls the progress of the game based on the operation information of the first user acquired from the first terminal, and causes the first terminal to display game images according to the progress of the game. During proxy play in which the operation rights are transferred from the first user to the second user, the server system 1000 controls the progress of the game based on the operation information of the second user acquired from the second terminal, and causes the first terminal of the first user and the second terminal of the second user to display game images according to the progress of the game.

[0045] In other words, during proxy play, the second user plays the game by operating the second terminal while viewing the game image displayed on the second terminal, and the first user views the gameplay operated by the second user displayed as a game image on the first terminal. Note that in proxy play, the first and second users share not only game images, but also other elements related to gameplay such as game sounds and background music.

[0046] After the first user finishes playing a game, the first user can post a replay video of that gameplay to the server system 1000. Specifically, the first user operates the first terminal to perform an operation to post a desired part or all of the gameplay video as a replay video. In accordance with the posting operation performed by the first operation acquired from the first terminal, the server system 1000 acquires and manages the specified part or all of the recorded gameplay video as a replay video to be posted.

[0047] Then, the server system 1000 provides the replay video requested by the viewing user so that it can be viewed on the viewing terminal operated by the viewing user. Specifically, the viewing user operates the viewing terminal to perform an operation to request viewing of a desired replay video from among the replay videos presented as viewable by the server system 1000. In response to the viewing request from the viewing terminal, the server system 1000 transmits provision data 740 related to the requested replay video to the viewing terminal, and provides the replay video so that it can be viewed on the viewing terminal.

[0048] The provided data 740 includes replay video data 741, video accompanying data 742, and proxy play presentation data 743. The replay video data 741 is data for playing and displaying the replay video. The video accompanying data 742 is data related to the replay video, and specifically includes a title name, a user ID, a playback time, and the like. The proxy play presentation data 743 is data for presenting to the viewing user information related to the proxy play performed during the replay period, which is the period during game play corresponding to the replay video, and specifically includes the proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed, the proxy user name which is the username of the second user who performed the proxy play, and the notification timing which is the timing for notifying the user about the proxy play, and the like.

[0049] [Replay video viewing screen] FIG. 3 is an example of a viewing screen of a replay video displayed on a viewing terminal. FIG. 3 shows an example of a fighting game in which a first user operates a player character 10 to fight against a computer-controlled non-playable character 12. On the viewing screen W1, an image IM1 of the replay video is displayed, and information about the replay video being played, such as the poster, title, posting date and time, and playback time, is displayed at the upper outer part of the image IM1, and a playback bar 20 indicating the time position being played in the replay video is displayed at the lower outer part by expanding and contracting along a playback time axis 22. The length of this playback time axis 22 corresponds to the playback time of the replay video (in the example of FIG. 2, "15:00"), and a section corresponding to the proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed (in the example of FIG. 3, the section from "5:00" to "9:00") is displayed together with a user name (in the example of FIG. 3, "Mr. △△"), which is user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play. This display allows the viewing user to grasp the proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed as a percentage of the entire replay video. This display is based on the proxy play presentation data 743 included in the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000. Note that, instead of the user name of the second user, a logo mark image, an avatar image, a face photo, or the like indicating the second user may be displayed as the identification information of the second user.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, the section corresponding to the non-proxy play period, rather than the proxy play period, may be displayed on the playback time axis 22 together with the user name of the first user who posted the content. This display allows the viewing user to understand that the section other than the section displayed as corresponding to the non-proxy play period is the period during which proxy play was performed. Both the section corresponding to the proxy play period and the section corresponding to the non-proxy play period may be displayed.

[0051] Furthermore, when playing back a replay video, the viewing terminal may be configured to notify whether a proxy play is being played back or not. FIGS. 5 to 9 are examples of viewing screens in which a notification of whether a proxy play is being played back or not is performed by display control. In the viewing screen W5 shown in FIG. 5, a proxy play in the replay video is being played back, and a message 14 is displayed superimposed on an image IM5 of the replay video to notify that the game play being played back is a proxy play and to notify the user name (in the example of FIG. 5, "Mr. △△"), which is user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play. Note that this message 14 may be displayed outside (for example, at the upper outer part) of the image IM5 of the replay video.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown on viewing screen W7 in Fig. 6, when a non-proxy play in a replay video is being played, a message 16 informing the user that the game play being played is a non-proxy play and informing the user name of the first user playing the game (in the example of Fig. 6, the poster's name "Mr. X") may be superimposed on image IM7 of the replay video. Note that this message 16 may also be displayed outside (for example, at the upper outer part) of image IM7 of the replay video.

[0053] On the viewing screen W9 shown in Fig. 7, a proxy play from the replay video is being played back, and an effect 24 is displayed along the edge of the image IM9 of the replay video. On the viewing screen W11 shown in Fig. 8, an effect 26 is displayed on the player character 10 that is the object of operation of the first user and that is operated by the second user during proxy play. The display of these effects 24, 26 enables the viewing user to understand that the game play being played back is a proxy play.

[0054] In addition, a given effect may be displayed on the viewing screen when a non-proxy play is being played back, not when a proxy play is being played back in the replay video. Furthermore, different effects may be displayed when a proxy play is being played back and when a non-proxy play is being played back.

[0055] The notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played may be notified by not only displaying on the viewing screen, but also by audio output or vibration. Specifically, as the notification by audio output, a voice reading out a text including a user name, which is the user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play, such as "Proxy play by △△-san is in progress", and a predetermined sound effect or BGM indicating that a proxy play is in progress may be output from a speaker provided in the viewing terminal 1500. Also, the BGM may be changed to a predetermined BGM indicating that a proxy play is in progress. As the notification by vibration, a vibration unit such as a vibration motor provided in the viewing terminal 1500c is vibrated with a predetermined vibration pattern indicating that a proxy play is in progress. Also, even during the playback of a non-proxy play, as in the case of the playback of a proxy play, the notification according to whether or not a non-proxy play is being played may be notified by not only displaying on the viewing screen, but also by audio output or vibration.

[0056] In addition, a notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played may be made when the replay video being played satisfies a given specific scene condition. FIG. 9 is an example of a viewing screen when the replay video being played satisfies the specific scene condition. In the viewing screen W13 shown in FIG. 9, a proxy play in the replay video is being played, and the scene being played is a scene in which the player character 10 activates a predetermined technique, which is an example of a scene that satisfies the specific scene condition. At the timing when the scene satisfies this specific scene condition, a message 28 is displayed to notify that the game play being played is a proxy play and to notify the user name ("Mr. △△" in the example of FIG. 9) which is the user identification information of the second user. This message 28 is temporarily displayed when the specific scene condition is satisfied.

[0057] In addition, if a specific scene condition is met when a proxy play is not being played back in the replay video, i.e., when a non-proxy play is being played back, a message may be displayed informing the user that the game play being played back is a non-proxy play and also informing the user name of the first user.

[0058] The specific scene condition may be a scene where a proxy play is likely to have been performed. For example, there are "success scenes" such as (1) a scene where a battle against an opponent or an enemy character is won, a scene where a stage is cleared, and a scene where a specific item is obtained, (2) a "specific scene in the game progress" determined in advance according to a game scenario, such as a scene where the game progresses by performing a specific action, or a difficult scene that appears in the game progress, (3) a "reversal scene" where a parameter such as a vitality value of a player character operated by a first user becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined ratio compared to an opponent's character, or a situation where the first user is at a disadvantage as estimated from the play progress, etc., and then the first user becomes dominant, and (4) a "difficult scene" determined according to a user's game play history, such as a stage or place that is estimated to be difficult for the first user based on the play history so far, or a stage or place that is estimated to be difficult for many users based on the play history of each of the other users. Data related to a scene that satisfies the specific scene condition in the replay video is included in the proxy play presentation data 743 of the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000.

[0059] The specific scene condition may be set based on a setting operation of the first user, or may be set automatically. Specifically, as one of the operations for posting a replay video by the first user, a setting screen W15, an example of which is shown in FIG. 10, is displayed on the first terminal. This setting screen W15 presents two options, "always display" and "select specific scene condition", as the timing for notifying depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played, and the first user can select either one.

[0060] The first option, "always display," instructs that a notification will always be given depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played while the replay video is being played (see, for example, viewing screens W5 and W7 in Figures 5 and 6). The second option, "select specific scene condition," instructs the setting of a specific scene condition that will determine the timing for a notification depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played. The first user can select and set any number of specific scene conditions from the enumerated specific scene conditions. Furthermore, the first user can have the specific scene conditions automatically selected and set rather than selecting them themselves.

[0061] [Replay video selection screen] The viewing user can select a replay video to be viewed from among a plurality of replay videos that can be provided by the server system. FIG. 11 is an example of a selection screen for replay videos displayed on the viewing terminal. In the selection screen W17 shown in FIG. 11, a list of options 30 of replay videos that can be provided to the viewing terminal is displayed. Each option 30 is displayed in association with a thumbnail image 31 of the corresponding replay video, as well as a brief description such as the title, poster name, and playback time of the replay video, and, for a replay video that includes a proxy play, a proxy icon 32 indicating that the replay video includes a proxy play. When the proxy icon 32 is selected, proxy play information including the length of each of the proxy play period and non-proxy play period in the replay video (in the example of FIG. 11, the proxy play period is four minutes from "05:00 to 09:00"), the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video (in the example of FIG. 11, "30%"), and user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play (in the example of FIG. 11, "Mr. △△") is displayed in a pop-up.

[0062] In addition, in the replay video selection screen W17, the options 30 may be searched and rearranged according to a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be, for example, whether or not a proxy play was performed, the second user who performed the proxy play, the time ratio or length of the proxy play period, etc. In addition, the selection screen W17 is not limited to one that displays a thumbnail image 31. In addition, the user identification information of the second user included in the replay video option 30 in the selection screen W17 is not limited to the user name, and may be a user ID number, a logo mark image representing the user, an avatar image, a face photo, etc.

[0063] [Function configuration] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server system 1000. According to Fig. 12, the server system 1000 includes an operation input unit 102, an image display unit 104, a sound output unit 106, a communication unit 108, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

[0064] The operation input unit 102 outputs an operation input signal to the server processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs for managing the server system 1000. This corresponds to the keyboard 1002 in FIG.

[0065] The server processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or electronic components such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 102 and the server storage unit 300. Then, it executes various arithmetic processing based on a predetermined program or data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 102, data received from the user terminal 1500, and the like, and controls the operation of the server system 1000 in an integrated manner. This corresponds to the control board 1020 in FIG. 1. The server processing unit 200 also has a user management unit 202, a game management unit 204, a posting management unit 210, a clock unit 230, an image generation unit 234, a sound generation unit 236, and a communication control unit 238. Of course, other functions than these may be included as appropriate.

[0066] The user management unit 202 performs various processes related to user registration management. In this embodiment, it has the functions of assigning a unique user account to a registered user, managing registration information to register and manage personal information for each user account, and managing game data. Of course, it can also include a function for managing data linked to other accounts as appropriate. The user management unit 202 manages data related to each user 3 by assigning a unique account (user ID) to a user 3 who has completed a user registration procedure and generating user management data 320.

[0067] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of user management data 320. According to Fig. 13, user management data 320 is generated for each registered user, and includes a user account 321 assigned to the user, a user terminal ID 322 of the user terminal 1500, play history data 330, and posting history data 323.

[0068] The user account 321 includes a unique user ID assigned to the user, as well as a user name and password arbitrarily set by the user.

[0069] Play history data 330 is generated for each game play, and includes a play ID 331 that identifies the game play, a play date and time 332 when the game play was performed, operation history data 333, character control history data 334, play video data 335, and proxy play data 336.

[0070] The operation history data 333 is a history of operation inputs by the user in the game play, and is data in which each operation command is associated with a time in the game progress calculation and accumulated. During the entire period of the game play, the operation history data 333 is a history of operation inputs by the first user during the non-proxy play period, and is a history of operation inputs by the second user during the proxy play period. The character control history data 334 is a history of control data of each character including the player character of the first user in the game play, and is, for example, data in which the position, posture, etc. of each character are associated with a time and accumulated. The play video data 335 is video data that records a video of the game play. The proxy play data 336 is data related to proxy plays performed in the game play, and is generated for each proxy play, and includes a proxy period and a proxy user ID that is the user account of the second user who performed the proxy play. The proxy period is the period during which the proxy play was performed, and is, for example, the start and end points of the proxy play based on the start point of the game play.

[0071] 12, the game management unit 204 uses the game initial setting data 304 to perform various processes related to the execution control of game play in the user terminal 1500. The game initial setting data 304 is various types of initial setting data necessary for the execution control of the game, and includes, for example, initial setting data for the game space, and characters and items appearing in the game.

[0072] The posting management unit 210 manages replay videos posted by users and performs various processes related to providing replay videos to users. Specifically, in accordance with a posting operation on the user terminal 1500, some or all of the gameplay footage stored as play video data 335 in the play history data 330 of the user management data 320 is acquired as a posted replay video, and a unique posting ID is assigned to the replay video to generate posting management data 340, thereby managing data related to the posted replay video.

[0073] Fig. 14 is an example of post management data 340. According to Fig. 14, post management data 340 is generated for each post, and includes a post ID 341, a post date and time 342, a posting user account 343 which is the account of the user who made the post, a title 344, a playback time 345, replay video data 346, reproduction data 347, proxy play data 348, specific scene condition setting data 349, and proxy play instruction information 350.

[0074] The replay video data 346 is video data of a desired period extracted from a recorded video of gameplay. The reproduction data 347 is data for reconstructing the game space during the replay period, which is the period during gameplay corresponding to the replay video, to reproduce the gameplay, and specifically includes an operation history that is an operation history of the posting user (first user) during non-proxy play during the replay period and an operation history of the second user during proxy play, and a character control history such as the position and posture of each character during the replay period. The proxy play data 348 is data related to proxy play performed during the replay period, and specifically includes a proxy play period that is the period during which proxy play was performed, a proxy user ID that is the user ID of the second user who performed proxy play, and the like. The reproduction data 347 and the proxy play data 348 are set based on the play history data 330 of the posting user.

[0075] The specific scene condition setting data 349 is data on a specific scene condition set as a timing for making a notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played when a replay video is being played. The specific scene condition setting data 349 stores a condition ID of each specific scene condition set by the specific scene condition setting unit 220, a period in the replay video that satisfies the condition, and an operating user in association with the condition ID. The operating user is a user who has the operating right during the period, and is the posting user (first user) in the case of a non-proxy play period, and is the second user who performed proxy play in the case of a proxy play period. The specific scene condition is selected from the specific scene condition list 310. The specific scene condition list 310 is a list in which a plurality of specific scene conditions are listed in association with a condition ID, which is an identification number, as shown in an example in FIG. 15.

[0076] The proxy play explanation information 350 is data explaining the proxy play performed during the replay period, and specifically includes information about the first user who posted the replay, information about the second user who performed the proxy play, information about the content of the proxy play performed, and the like. The information about the first user and the information about the second user are, for example, information about the game play of the user, such as the level, rank, and battle record of the user, information about the proxy play, such as the level and evaluation as the second user, and whether or not the user satisfies a predetermined condition. The user who satisfies the predetermined condition is, for example, a skilled user such as a professional gamer or a high-ranking player, or a cautionary user who has received a penalty for violating etiquette in game play or proxy play. The information about the content of the proxy play is, for example, whether or not a scene that satisfies a predetermined condition is included in the proxy play performed during the proxy play period. The scene that satisfies the predetermined condition is, for example, a good scene or a bad scene of the first user or the second user, which is determined from the play history data 330 of the user. It is to be noted that the good scene or the bad scene of a user other than the first user and the second user may be included. The proxy play instruction information 350 is set based on the user management data 320, management data (not shown) that manages evaluations and the like related to the user 3, data acquired from an external device or the like that performs such management, and the like.

[0077] The posting management unit 210 includes a replay video providing unit 212 , a play period presentation control unit 214 , a playback timeline display control unit 216 , a playback notification control unit 218 , a specific scene condition setting unit 220 , and a proxy play information presentation unit 222 .

[0078] The replay video providing unit 212 provides a replay video that can be viewed on the viewing terminal based on data for the replay video when a second user operating a second terminal partially plays the game play of a first user operating a first terminal on behalf of the first user (for example, see viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figs. 3 to 9). It also displays on the viewing terminal a list of options for replay videos that can be provided to the viewing terminal (for example, see selection screen W17 in Fig. 11), and provides a replay video selected from the options to the viewing terminal.

[0079] Providing a replay video to a viewing terminal is realized by generating provision data 740 based on the posting management data 340 corresponding to the replay video and transmitting it to the viewing terminal. At this time, specific scene condition setting data 349 of the posting management data 340 is set as the notification timing included in the proxy play presentation data 743 (see FIG. 2) of the provision data 740.

[0080] The play period presentation control unit 214 controls the viewing terminal to present a proxy play period during which proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which proxy play was not performed when the replay video providing unit 212 provides a replay video. Specifically, the play period presentation control unit 214 controls the viewing terminal to present a section corresponding to the proxy play period and / or a section corresponding to the non-proxy play period on the playback time axis 22 of the playback bar 20 (see, for example, the viewing screens W1 to W13 in FIGS. 3 to 9). As a method of presentation, for example, it can be displayed based on the playback time of the video accompanying data 742 included in the provided data 740 and the proxy play presentation data 743.

[0081] The playback timeline display control unit 216 controls the display of the playback timeline 22 of the replay video provided by the replay video providing unit 212 on the viewing terminal (see, for example, viewing screens W1 to W13 in FIGS. 3 to 9).

[0082] The playback notification control unit 218 performs notification control to make the viewing terminal perform notification according to whether or not a proxy play is being played when playing a replay video provided by the replay video providing unit 212. The notification control may be performed by displaying a given effect on the viewing terminal (for example, see the viewing screens W9 and W11 in Figs. 7 and 8), by display control to superimpose the effect on the image of the replay video (for example, see the viewing screens W5 and W7 in Figs. 5 and 6), or by display control outside the image of the replay video (for example, see the viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figs. 3 to 9). The notification control may also be performed when the replay video being played satisfies a given specific scene condition (for example, see the viewing screen W13 in Fig. 9). The timing at which the specific scene is satisfied is determined by the notification timing of the proxy play data 336 included in the provided data 740, that is, the specific scene condition setting data 349.

[0083] The specific scene condition setting unit 220 sets the specific scene condition based on the setting operation of the first user. Specifically, when a replay video is posted by the first user from the first terminal, for example, a setting screen such as the example shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the first terminal, and a specific scene condition that is a timing for notifying whether or not a proxy play is being played is set according to the operation input of the first user on the screen, and the specific scene condition is stored as the specific scene condition setting data 349 of the corresponding posting management data 340.

[0084] The specific scene condition may be set based on the play history of the first user. That is, by referring to the play history data 330 of the user management data 320 corresponding to the first user, scenes that are assumed to be difficult for the first user, such as scenes in which the same action is repeated or scenes in which the vitality value is greatly reduced, may be set as the specific scene condition.

[0085] The proxy play information presenting unit 222 controls the presentation of proxy play information on the viewing terminal, the proxy play information including at least one of the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, and the user identification information of the second user. For example, the proxy play information is presented on the viewing terminal in association with the options of the replay video displayed as a list by the replay video providing unit 212 (for example, see the selection screen W17 in FIG. 11).

[0086] The timekeeping unit 230 uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time.

[0087] The image generating unit 234 generates images related to system management of the server system 1000, images to be displayed on the user terminal 1500, and the like. The images related to system management are then output to the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 displays various images for system management based on image signals input from the image generating unit 234. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display or a projector. The display 1006 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

[0088] The sound generation unit 236 is realized by executing an IC or software that generates or decodes audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and BGM related to system management and game play of the server system 1000. Then, the sound generation unit 236 outputs an audio signal to the sound output unit 106. The sound output unit 106 emits sound based on the audio signal. This corresponds to a speaker (not shown) provided in the main device 1010 or display 1006 in FIG. 1.

[0089] The communication control unit 238 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 108. The communication unit 108 realizes communication by connecting to a communication network N. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. The communication device 1016 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

[0090] The server storage unit 300 stores programs and various data for implementing various functions for the server processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the server system 1000. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200 according to various programs. For example, it is implemented by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, online storage, etc. The server storage unit 300 stores a server program 302 for implementing various functional units of the server system 1000, game initial setting data 304, a specific scene condition list 310, user management data 320, and posting management data 340.

[0091] (B) User terminal Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. According to Fig. 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 502, an image display unit 504, a sound output unit 506, a communication unit 508, a device processing unit 600, and a device storage unit 700.

[0092] The operation input unit 502 outputs an operation input signal to the device processing unit 600 in response to various operation inputs by the user 3. For example, this can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a CCD module, or the like.

[0093] The device processing unit 600 is realized by electronic components such as a processor and an IC memory, and controls input and output of data between each functional unit including the operation input unit 502 and the device storage unit 700. The processor includes, for example, a centralized processing device such as a CPU or a GPU, as well as an arithmetic circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Then, it executes various arithmetic processes based on a predetermined program or data, an operation signal from the operation input unit 502, data received from the server system 1000, and the like, to control the operation of the user terminal 1500. The device processing unit 600 also includes a game progress control unit 602, a posting control unit 604, a browsing control unit 606, a clock unit 610, an image display control unit 614, a sound playback control unit 616, and a communication control unit 618.

[0094] The game progress control unit 602 functions when the user terminal 1500 is a first terminal, and controls the progress of the game play of the user (first user) in accordance with the control of the server system 1000. This game allows another user, a second user, to play part of the game play by the first user, who is the user.

[0095] The posting control unit 604 functions when the user terminal 1500 is the first terminal, and controls posting of a replay video of a game play executed on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, under the control of the server system 1000, the posting control unit 604 causes the user (first user) to perform a posting operation, such as specifying a part or all of a period of game play footage to be posted as a replay video. The posting control unit 604 may be configured to automatically post. In this case, the entire period of game play executed on the user terminal 1500 may be automatically posted as a replay video, or a period of game play at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 minutes) may be automatically posted as a replay video. In addition, a period of game play for a predetermined time period going back from the timing when the game was ended or paused may be automatically posted as a replay video.

[0096] The viewing control unit 606 functions when the user terminal 1500 is a viewing terminal, and controls viewing of replay videos on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, the viewing control unit 606 displays a list of replay video options based on data received from the server system 1000 (see, for example, the selection screen W17 in FIG. 11), transmits a viewing request for the replay video corresponding to the option selected by the user (viewing user) to the server system 1000, and displays a viewing screen that plays and displays the replay video based on the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000 (see, for example, the viewing screens W1 to W13 in FIGS. 3 to 9). Along with the playback and display of the replay video, a display presenting a proxy play period and / or a non-proxy play period and a display notifying whether or not a proxy play is being played are performed according to the proxy play presentation data 743 of the provided data 740.

[0097] The timekeeping unit 610 uses a system clock to keep track of the current date and time.

[0098] The image display control unit 614 performs control for displaying a screen based on various image data received from the server system 1000. For example, it is realized by a processor such as a CPU, a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, etc., and generates image signals for various display screens and outputs them to the image display unit 504.

[0099] The image display unit 504 displays various images based on an image signal input from the image display control unit 614. For example, the image display unit 504 can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a projector, or a head mounted display.

[0100] The sound reproduction control unit 616 performs control for outputting sounds based on various types of sound data received from the server system 1000. For example, it is realized by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec for reproducing sound files, etc., and generates sound signals of various sounds such as game-related sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 506.

[0101] The sound output unit 506 outputs sound effects, background music, and the like based on a sound signal input from the sound reproduction control unit 616. For example, this can be realized by a sound output device such as a speaker.

[0102] The communication control unit 618 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 508. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0103] The terminal storage unit 700 stores system programs for implementing various functions for the terminal processing unit 600 to comprehensively control the user terminal 1500, programs necessary for game play, various data, etc. It is also used as a working area for the terminal processing unit 600, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the terminal processing unit 600 according to various programs, input data from the operation input unit 502, etc. For example, it is realized by IC memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, etc. In this embodiment, the terminal storage unit 700 stores a terminal program 702, play data 720, and provided data 740.

[0104] [Processing flow] 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of processing in the game system.

[0105] (A) Submit gameplay and replay videos Fig. 17 is a flowchart of processing related to game play and posting of game play in the user terminal 1500. In Fig. 17, the left side shows processing in the user terminal 1500 (first terminal), and the right side shows processing in the server system 1000.

[0106] First, the execution of the game of the first user in the first terminal is controlled. That is, the game progress control unit 602 of the first terminal starts the game play according to the operation of the user (first user) (step S1), and the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 starts the progress control of the game in the first terminal (step S3). In this game, a second user, who is another user, can play a part of the game on behalf of the user at any timing. In addition, the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 starts recording a video of the game play together with the start of the progress control of the game (step S5). Then, when the game progress control unit 602 of the first terminal ends the game play (step S7), the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 ends the progress control of the game in the first terminal (step S9) and ends the recording of the video of the game play (step S11). When the game play ends, the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 generates and stores the play history data 330 relating to the game play (step S13).

[0107] Next, the posting control unit 604 of the first terminal posts the game play according to the posting operation by the user (first user) (step S15). Then, the posting management unit 210 of the server system 1000 extracts a part or all of the gameplay video of the corresponding game play to generate a replay video (step S17). Next, based on the play history data 330 of the first user, a replay period, which is the period during the game play corresponding to the generated replay video, is determined, and data related to the proxy play performed during the replay period is generated (step S19). Then, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 sets a specific scene condition, and the posting management unit 210 generates and stores the posting management data 340 for the posting (step S21). After the above processing is performed, this process ends.

[0108] (B) Viewing replay videos Fig. 18 shows processing related to viewing of replay moving images in the user terminal 1500. In Fig. 18, the left side shows processing in the server system 1000, and the right side shows processing in the user terminal 1500 (viewing terminal).

[0109] First, in the viewing terminal, the viewing control unit 606 transmits a request to view a replay video to the server system 1000 in accordance with an operation of the viewing user (step S31). When the server system 1000 receives this viewing request from the viewing terminal (step S33), the replay video providing unit 212 transmits data to the viewing terminal for displaying a selection screen that is a list of options for available replay videos (step S35). In the viewing terminal, the viewing control unit 606 displays a selection screen for replay videos based on the data received from the server system 1000 (step S37), and transmits data of the option selected in accordance with an operation of the viewing user (step S39) on this selection screen to the server system 1000 (step S39).

[0110] When the server system 1000 receives a selection of a replay video from a viewing terminal (step S41), the replay video providing unit 212 transmits provision data 740 for providing the replay video so that it can be viewed to the viewing terminal based on the corresponding post management data 340 (step S43). Then, in the viewing terminal, the viewing control unit 606 controls the playback of the replay video based on the provision data 740 received from the server system 1000 (step S45). After the above processing is performed, this process ends.

[0111] [Effects] According to this embodiment, it is possible for a viewing user who watches a replay video of a game in which a second user has played part of a first user's gameplay in proxy play to be able to ascertain which period in the replay video is the proxy play by the second user. That is, when a replay video of a gameplay in which proxy play was performed is provided so as to be viewable on a viewing terminal, a proxy play period and / or a non-proxy play period is presented. This allows the viewing user of the viewing terminal to easily ascertain which period in the replay video was the period in which proxy play was performed. Furthermore, when a non-proxy play period is presented, the viewing user can determine that the period other than the non-proxy play period is the proxy play period.

[0112] [Variations] Incidentally, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0113] (A) Display based on proxy play description information On the viewing screen of the replay video displayed on the viewing terminal, the portion indicating the section corresponding to the proxy play period displayed along the playback time axis 22 of the playback bar 20 may be displayed in a display manner according to the proxy play explanation information 350 including at least one of the information of the first user, the information of the second user, and information on the play content of the proxy play.

[0114] The information of the first user and the second user includes, for example, information on game play such as level, rank, and battle record, information on proxy play such as level and evaluation as the second user, whether or not the user satisfies a predetermined condition, and the like. A user who satisfies a predetermined condition is, for example, a skilled user such as a professional gamer or a high-ranking player, a suspicious user who has received a penalty for violating etiquette in game play or proxy play, and the like. The color, shape, and pattern of the playback bar 20 and the playback time axis 22 in the section corresponding to the proxy play period may be changed according to the information of the second user. Also, the color, shape, and pattern of the playback bar 20 and the playback time axis 22 in the section corresponding to the non-proxy play period may be changed according to the information of the first user.

[0115] The information on the play content of the proxy play includes whether or not the proxy play performed during the proxy play period includes a scene that satisfies a predetermined condition. The scene that satisfies the predetermined condition is, for example, a good scene or a bad scene of the first user or the second user, determined from the play history data 330 of the user. Alternatively, it may be a good scene or a bad scene of a user other than the first user and the second user. Depending on the information on the play content of the proxy play, the portion of the playback time axis 22 that corresponds to the scene that satisfies the predetermined condition may be changed to a color, shape, or pattern according to the type of the scene, or a display object with a color, shape, or pattern according to the type of the scene may be displayed.

[0116] (B) Request for proxy play After the replay video has finished being played back on the viewing terminal, the viewing user may be allowed to make a request for proxy play. For example, as shown in an example on viewing screen W19 in Fig. 19, an icon 41 is displayed for the viewing user to request a proxy play in the game play of the second user who performed proxy play in the viewed replay video (in the example of Fig. 19, "Mr. XX"), and an icon 42 is displayed for the viewing user to request a proxy play from the first user who posted the replay video (in the example of Fig. 19, "Mr. XX")

[0117] The icons 41, 42 may be displayed not only after the replay video has finished being played back, but also at any time before the entire replay video has finished being played back, such as during playback of the replay video, while playback is paused, or at a specific scene during playback, or may be displayed all the time during playback of the replay video. A specific scene may be, for example, a successful scene, a specific scene in the game progress, a reversal scene, or a difficult scene, as defined in the specific scene condition list 340, which is a scene where there is a high possibility that a proxy play has been performed.

[0118] Also, the user name of the second user who performed the proxy play, or a logo mark image, avatar image, face photo, etc. representing the second user may be displayed as the icon 41. The user name of the first user who posted the replay video, or a logo mark image, avatar image, face photo, etc. representing the first user may be displayed as the icon 42.

[0119] (C) Acquiring replay videos In the above embodiment, the server system 1000 acquires the replay video by storing gameplay footage in the game server system 1000 that controls the progress of the game in the user terminal 1500, and extracts all or a part of the stored gameplay footage to generate the replay video in accordance with the operation posted by the user 3. This may also be achieved by storing gameplay footage in the user terminal 1500, extracting all or a part of the stored gameplay footage in the user terminal 1500 in accordance with the operation of the user 3 to generate a replay video, and transmitting this to the server system 1000. 20 shows an example of the functional configuration of user terminal 1500C in this case. In user terminal 1500C, game progress control unit 602 of device processing unit 600 has a play video recording control unit 603 that stores video of game play as play video data 722. Post control unit 604 has a post data generation unit 605a and a post data transmission control unit 605b.

[0120] The post data generation unit 605a extracts all or part of the game play footage stored as gameplay footage data 722 as replay video data in accordance with operations by the user 3 via the operation input unit 502, and generates post data 750.

[0121] The posted data transmission control unit 605b transmits the posted data 750 to the server system 1000. In other words, the posted data transmission control unit 605b transmits replay video data to the server system 1000 which controls the provision of a replay video so that it can be viewed on a viewing terminal based on data for the replay video of a first user's game play being partially played by a second user in proxy play, and transmits data to the server system 1000 relating to a proxy play period in the replay video during which proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which proxy play was not performed.

[0122] 21, the posted data 750 includes at least posting user information such as a user name and a user ID, a title 344, a playback time 345, replay video data 346, and proxy play data 348. The server system 1000 generates posted management data 340 based on the posted data 750 received from the user terminal 1500C.

[0123] (D) Failure to disclose information about proxy play When a first user who has posted a replay video satisfies a predetermined non-presentation condition, information related to the proxy play may not be presented when the replay video is provided to a viewing terminal. Information related to the proxy play may include the proxy play period, the non-proxy play period, the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, user identification information of the second user, etc. Examples of non-presentation conditions include payment of a predetermined amount or more, use of a specific item, etc. An operation for satisfying the non-presentation condition may be, for example, one of the operations for posting the replay video.

[0124] (E) Providing information about play-by-play by automated commentary Also, information on proxy play may be presented by known automatic commentary in conjunction with the playback of the replay video. The commentary may be provided by outputting commentary audio or displaying commentary text. The commentary content may be generated based on the proxy play data 348 of the posting management data 340 corresponding to the replay video.

[0125] (F) Whether or not to post replay videos Furthermore, the server system 1000 may not accept replay video postings by users who satisfy a predetermined condition, or may accept replay video postings by the users but not allow them to be viewed on a viewing terminal. A user who satisfies a predetermined condition is, for example, a user who has performed proxy play a predetermined number of times or frequency in a predetermined period of the past, a user who has posted replay videos in which proxy play was performed a predetermined number of times or frequency in a predetermined period of the past, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, the server system 1000 may not accept posting of a replay video that satisfies a predetermined condition, or may accept posting of the replay video but not allow viewing on a viewing terminal. Examples of replay videos that satisfy the predetermined condition include a replay video in which the time ratio of the proxy play period to the playback time is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, a replay video in which the number of times proxy play has been performed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and a replay video in which a specific scene such as a failed scene is included in the proxy play performed. Whether or not a specific scene is included in the proxy play in the replay video can be determined, for example, from the reproduction data 347 of the posting management data 340. Furthermore, when the second user performs a proxy play, the second user may set whether or not (possible / impossible) the replay video including the proxy play scene can be posted, and a replay video set by the second user as not postable may be regarded as a replay video that satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0127] (G) Target games In the above embodiment, a fighting game has been taken as an example, but the type of game to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to any type of game, such as role-playing games, action games, rhythm games, shooting games, etc. Also, although a single-player online game has been described, the present invention may be applied to a multiplayer online game.

[0128] (H) Other examples of game system configurations In the above embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is a smartphone, but other electronic devices (electronic equipment) may be used. For example, a stationary home game device, an example of which is shown in Fig. 22, may be used as the user terminal 1500A. In this case, the home game device, which is the first terminal, may also have the function of the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 and perform control related to proxy play.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in an example in Fig. 23, the first terminal of the first user and the second terminal of the second user may be game controllers in a single stationary home game device configured by a game main body device and a plurality of game controllers connected for communication by wire or wirelessly. In this case, the user terminals 1500a and 1500b, which are the first terminal and the second terminal, each independently have only the functional unit of the operation input unit 502, and the other functional units, that is, the image display unit 504, the sound output unit 506, the communication unit 508, the terminal processing unit 600, and the terminal storage unit 700, are configured to be shared functional units. In addition, the game device main body may have the function of the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 to perform control related to proxy play.

[0130] (I) Server system 1000 The two main functions of the server system 1000, that is, a game management function for managing the execution control of the game on the user terminal 1500, and a posting management / video provision function for acquiring game play replay video data from the user terminal 1500 and providing the replay video so that it can be viewed on the user terminal 1500, may be realized by separate server systems. In this case, the former server system (corresponding to a game server) is configured to have the functional unit of the game management unit 204 of the server system 100, and the latter server system (corresponding to a posting server) is configured to have the functional unit of the posting management unit 210. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Game System 1000…Server system 200...Server processing unit 202...User Management Department 204…Game Management Department 210…Submission Management Department 212…Replay Video Provider 214...play period presentation control unit 216...Playback time axis display control unit 218... Playback notification control unit 220…Specific scene condition setting section 222…Proxy play information presentation unit 300: Server memory section 302...Server program 304... Game initial setting data 310...Specific scene condition list 320...User management data 340...Post management data 1500: User terminal 1500a: first terminal, 1500b: second terminal, 1500c: viewing terminal 600...Terminal processing section 602...Game progress control unit 604...Posting control section 606... Viewing control unit 700…Terminal memory section 702...Terminal program 720...Play data 740…Provided data 3. User 3a...first user, 3b...second user, 3c...viewing user

Claims

1. a replay video providing means for providing a replay video on a viewing terminal so as to be viewable based on data for the replay video when a second user plays part of a game played by a first user; a play period presentation control means for controlling, when the replay video providing means provides a replay video, to present, on the viewing terminal, a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed; A computer system comprising:

2. a playback timeline display control means for controlling display of a playback timeline of the replay video provided by the replay video providing means on the viewing terminal; Further comprising: the play period presentation control means performs control to cause the viewing terminal to present a section on the playback time axis that corresponds to the proxy play period and / or the non-proxy play period; 2. The computer system of claim 1.

3. an explanation information acquisition means for acquiring proxy play explanation information including at least one of information on the first user, information on the second user, and information on the play content of the proxy play; Further comprising: the play period presentation control means controls a display mode of a portion of the playback time axis indicating the section based on the proxy play instruction information; 3. The computer system of claim 2.

4. a playback in-progress notification control means for controlling a notification to be made to the viewing terminal according to whether or not the proxy play is being played back when the replay video provided by the replay video providing means is being played back; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. the playback notification control means performs the notification control by displaying a given effect on the viewing terminal; 5. The computer system of claim 4.

6. the playback notification control means performs the notification control by display control for superimposing the playback notification on an image of the replay video; 6. A computer system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. the playback notification control means performs the notification control by controlling display of the replay video outside the image; 6. A computer system according to claim 4 or 5.

8. the playback notification control means performs the notification control when the replay video being played back satisfies a given specific scene condition; A computer system according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. a specific scene condition setting means for setting the specific scene condition based on a setting operation of the first user; 9. The computer system of claim 8, further comprising:

10. a specific scene condition setting means for setting the specific scene condition based on a play history of the first user; 9. The computer system of claim 8, further comprising:

11. a proxy play information presentation control means for controlling the viewing terminal to present proxy play information including at least one of a time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, a length of the proxy play period, and user identification information of the second user; The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. The replay video providing means includes: a means for displaying on the viewing terminal a list of options of the replay videos that can be provided to the viewing terminal; a means for providing the replay video selected from the options to the viewing terminal; having the proxy play information presentation control means performs control to cause the viewing terminal to present the proxy play information in association with the option.

12. The computer system of claim 11.

13. A server system which is a computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 12; The viewing terminal; A game system comprising:

14. 1. A replay video providing method, in which a computer system provides a replay video that can be viewed on a viewing terminal based on data for the replay video when a second user plays part of a game play of a first user on behalf of the first user, the method comprising: obtaining data for the replay video; When providing the replay video, control is performed to cause the viewing terminal to present a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed; A method for providing replay videos, including:

15. A computer system a means for transmitting data of the replay video to a server system which controls providing a replay video on a viewing terminal so as to be viewable based on the data of the replay video when a second user plays part of a game played by a first user; a means for transmitting to the server system data relating to a proxy play period during which the proxy play was performed and / or a non-proxy play period during which the proxy play was not performed in the replay video; A program to function as a

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