Program, system, and method

Abstract

To provide a program capable of appropriately notifying information for a viewer of distribution.SOLUTION: A program causes a processor to distribute a game image of a game executed in a terminal to a viewer. The game image includes a result image indicating information of a result of the game that has been executed in the terminal. When at least part of the information of the result is skipped in the terminal, the program causes the processor to skip the result image other than information for the viewer included in the information of the result in the terminal operated by the viewer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, game distribution systems that allow viewers to view images of a game played by a player on a play terminal (hereinafter referred to as "game images") on a viewing terminal are becoming more widespread. In such game distribution systems, there is a technology that provides viewers with viewing privileges to motivate them to view the game images (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-048505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fact that a viewing privilege has been granted to a viewer is notified to the viewing terminal together with the distribution of an image notifying the viewer of the game result, for example. However, this method has a problem in that if the notification of the game result is skipped on the playing terminal, the viewer will not be able to recognize that a viewing privilege has been granted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a program that can appropriately notify viewers of information of a distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the program of the present invention causes a processor to deliver game images of a game being executed on a terminal to a viewer, the game images including a result image showing information on the result of the game executed on the terminal, and when at least a portion of the result information is skipped on the terminal, causes the processor to skip the result image on a terminal operated by the viewer while leaving information for the viewer contained in the result information. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, information intended for viewers of a broadcast can be appropriately notified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a game server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a game server. [Diagram 5] Examples of the home screen (A) and the matching screen (B). [Figure 6] This is an example of the play screen (A) and the viewing screen (B). [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of a player game result process. [Figure 8] This is an example of a winning / losing display screen. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a result presentation screen. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a rank-up effect screen. [Figure 11] 13 is an example of an experience point presentation screen. [Figure 12] This is an example of a treasure chest display screen. [Figure 13] This is an example of a summary screen (A) and a confirmation screen (B). [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a viewer game result process. [Figure 15] 13 shows an example of a viewing bonus screen (A) displayed together with the experience point production, a viewing bonus screen (B) when the experience point production is skipped, and a prediction acceptance screen (C). [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart of a distribution result process. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of stopping distribution via a home screen. [Figure 18] This is an example of a countdown screen to the end of distribution. [Figure 19] 13 shows an example of a delivery result screen (A) and a gift list screen (B). [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of stopping distribution via a confirmation screen. [Figure 21] 13 shows an example of a toast displaying the end of distribution (A) and a screen notifying the end of distribution (B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is an example of how the present invention is embodied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by making various changes to the embodiment.

[0010] [System 1 Overview] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 mainly includes a game server 10 and user terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 20"). Although three user terminals 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, examples of the user terminals 20 included in the system 1 are not limited to these. The game server 10 and the user terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2. A specific example of the communication network 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system (e.g., 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a combination of these.

[0011] The system 1 is an online game system that provides an online game realized on a user terminal 20 by mutual communication between a game server 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20. As one example, the game is a cooperative online game in which users (players) of a plurality of user terminals 20 cooperate with each other. As another example, the game is a competitive online game in which users (players) of a plurality of user terminals 20 compete against each other.

[0012] The system 1 according to the present embodiment provides a so-called "GvG (group match)" in which multiple players (e.g., 12 players) belong to one of two groups and play against each other (i.e., 6 players vs. 6 players). However, the games realized by the system 1 are not limited to online games, and may be offline games executed by only one user terminal 20.

[0013] Furthermore, a game includes main content (so-called in-game) and preparatory content (so-called out-game). The main content is a game element for achieving the main objective of the game (e.g., defeating an enemy, acquiring an item, reaching a destination, etc.). The preparatory content is a game element for making preparations required to play the main content (e.g., displaying game results or distribution results, changing the appearance of an avatar, changing avatar equipment, acquiring benefits granted by the game server 10, executing gacha, changing game distribution settings, etc.).

[0014] Furthermore, system 1 is a game distribution system that provides so-called "game distribution" in which images of a game being executed on user terminal 20A (hereinafter referred to as "game images") are viewed by a user (viewer) of user terminal 20B. Game distribution includes, for example, "real-time distribution" in which game images are viewed in parallel with the execution of the game, and "recorded distribution" in which recorded images are viewed after the game is finished.

[0015] Hereinafter, the user terminal 20A that plays the game may be referred to as the "play terminal 20A," and the user terminal 20B that views game images will be referred to as the "viewing terminal 20B." Furthermore, the user that operates the play terminal 20A will be referred to as the "player 20A," and the user that operates the viewing terminal 20B will be referred to as the "viewer 20B." In other words, the play terminal 20A and the viewing terminal 20B are different user terminals 20. However, the play terminal 20A can also be a viewing terminal, and the viewing terminal 20B can also be a play terminal.

[0016] [Game Server 10 Configuration] The game server 10 realizes an online game by synchronizing game data of each of the multiple play terminals 20. The game server 10 also realizes game distribution by acquiring game images from the play terminal 20A and providing the acquired game images to the viewing terminal 20B. Note that the server that realizes the online game and the server that realizes the game distribution are not limited to operating on the same hardware, and may operate on different hardware. However, the server that realizes the online game and the server that realizes the game distribution operate in cooperation with each other, as described below.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game server 10. The game server 10 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. As shown in Fig. 2, the game server 10 mainly includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, an input / output interface 14, and a communication interface 15. Each component of the game server 10 is connected to a communication bus 19.

[0018] The processor 11 realizes processes described below by executing a series of instructions included in a server program 13P stored in the memory 12 or the storage 13. The processor 11 is realized as, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other devices.

[0019] The memory 12 temporarily holds a server program 13P and data. The server program 13P is loaded from, for example, the storage 13. The data includes data input to the game server 10 and data generated by the processor 11. For example, the memory 12 is realized as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or other volatile memory.

[0020] The storage 13 permanently holds the server program 13P and data. The storage 13 is realized, for example, as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 13 may also be realized as a removable storage device such as a memory card. As yet another example, the storage 13 may be connected to the game server 10 as an external storage device instead of being built into the game server 10. With this configuration, for example, in a scene where a plurality of user terminals 20 are used, such as an amusement facility, it becomes possible to collectively update the server program 13P and data.

[0021] The input / output interface 14 is an interface for connecting external devices such as a monitor, an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device), an external storage device, a speaker, a camera, a microphone, a sensor, etc. to the game server 10. The processor 11 communicates with the external devices through the input / output interface 14. The input / output interface 14 is realized using, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI, registered trademark), or other terminals.

[0022] The communication interface 15 communicates with other devices (e.g., user terminal 20) connected to the communication network 2. The communication interface 15 is realized as, for example, a wired communication interface such as a Local Area Network (LAN) or a wireless communication interface such as Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Near Field Communication (NFC).

[0023] [Configuration of user terminal 20] The user terminal 20 is realized, for example, as an HMD (Head Mounted Display) set, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a feature phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example of the user terminal 20 as a tablet terminal will be described.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the user terminal 20 mainly includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface 25, a monitor 31, cameras 33 and 34, a microphone 35, a speaker 36, a motion sensor 41, and an operation device 42 (operation unit). Each component of the user terminal 20 is connected to a communication bus 29.

[0025] The processor 21, memory 22, storage 23, and communication IF 25 have the same configuration as the processor 11, memory 12, storage 13, and communication IF 15 of the game server 10. The storage 23 also stores a terminal program 23P.

[0026] The monitor 31 is provided on the surface of a flat housing, as shown in Fig. 1 for example. The monitor 31 is a display device (display unit) that displays images or videos. The camera 33 is a so-called in-camera that is attached to the surface of the flat housing and captures an image of the face of a user viewing the monitor 31. The camera 34 is a so-called out-camera that is attached to the back surface of the flat housing (the surface opposite to the monitor 31) and captures an image of the surroundings.

[0027] The microphone 35 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and outputs it. The speaker 36 converts the audio signal into voice and outputs it to the user. Note that the user terminal 20 may include an earphone instead of the speaker 36.

[0028] The motion sensor 41 detects the motion of the housing (for example, rotation around three mutually orthogonal axes). The motion sensor 41 may be realized by, for example, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0029] The operation device 42 accepts input (operation) of commands by the user to the user terminal 20. The operation device 42 is, for example, a touch panel that is superimposed on the monitor 31 and accepts various touch operations by the user. That is, the monitor 31 according to this embodiment is a touch panel type display unit. As another example, the user terminal 20 may include, as the operation device 42, a controller equipped with buttons, an operation stick, and the like.

[0030] [Game Server 10 Functional Block Diagram] Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the game server 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the server program 13P loaded into the memory 12 causes the game server 10 (processor 11) to function as game progression means 110, distribution control means 120, distribution means 130, distribution result display means 140, game result display means 150, simple display means 160, confirmation means 170, information display means 180, and prediction acceptance means 190.

[0031] The game progression means 110 synchronizes and progresses the online game among the multiple play terminals 20. More specifically, the game progression means 110 transmits data necessary for the progress of the online game to all play terminals 20 participating in the online game. The game progression means 110 also causes the multiple play terminals 20 participating in the online game to share game data. In other words, the game progression means 110 transmits game data received from one play terminal 20 to all other play terminals 20. This allows the online game to progress synchronously among all play terminals 20. The processing executed by the game progression means 110 is an example of a game progression step.

[0032] The distribution control means 120 controls the start and stop of distribution of game images (hereinafter referred to as "game distribution"). For example, when a "Start Distribution" icon displayed on monitor 31 of play terminal 20A is tapped, the distribution control means 120 causes distribution means 130 to start game distribution. Also, for example, when a "Stop Distribution" icon displayed on monitor 31 of play terminal 20A is tapped, the distribution control means 120 causes distribution means 130 to stop game distribution. The process executed by the distribution control means 120 is an example of a distribution control step.

[0033] Here, the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20 accepts a user operation of tapping an icon displayed on the monitor 31 through the operation device 42. Then, the terminal program 23P transmits information indicating the icon tapped through the operation device 42 to the game server 10 through the communication IF 25. As a result, the distribution control means 120 recognizes that the [Start distribution] icon or the [Stop distribution] icon has been tapped. In the following, these processes will be omitted. The same applies to the other control means.

[0034] The distribution means 130 distributes game images of the game being executed on the play terminal 20A to the viewing terminal 20B. As one example, the distribution means 130 may receive game images from the play terminal 20A through the communication IF 15, and transmit the game images to the viewing terminal 20B through the communication IF 15. As another example, the distribution means 130 may generate image data for the play terminal 20A based on game data collected by the game progression means 110, and transmit the generated image data to the viewing terminal 20B through the communication IF 15. The process executed by the distribution means 130 is an example of a distribution step.

[0035] The game images are still images or moving images (video) displayed on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. The game images may also include images captured by the cameras 33 and 34 of the play terminal 20A. Furthermore, the game images may also include sound picked up by the microphone 35 of the play terminal 20A and sound output from the speaker 36 of the play terminal.

[0036] The game image includes a standby image, a play image, and a result image. A standby image is an image when waiting for the start of the main content of the game (in this embodiment, a group match) (i.e., outside the game). For example, the home screen shown in FIG. 5(A), the matching screen shown in FIG. 5(B), and the game image showing the confirmation screen shown in FIG. 13(B) are examples of standby images. A play image is an image when the main content is being executed (i.e., in the game). The play screen shown in FIG. 6(A) is an example of a play image. A result image is an image showing information on the result of playing the main content (game result). The game images showing result screens shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13(A) are examples of result images.

[0037] When the primary content is played once, the game image contains a standby image, a play image, and a result image in that order. When the primary content is played repeatedly, the result image of the previous primary content is followed by a standby image, a play image, and a result image of the next primary content.

[0038] The distribution result display means 140 displays the distribution result of the game image on the play terminal 20A. More specifically, when the distribution control means 120 stops the game distribution, the distribution result display means 140 displays a distribution result screen shown in FIG. 19(A) and a gift list screen shown in FIG. 19(B) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. The distribution result is information indicating the result of the game distribution. The distribution result includes, for example, the time when the game image was distributed, the cumulative number of viewers who viewed the game image, the number of gifts and cheers given by the viewers, and experience points given by the game server 10 as a result of the game image being distributed. The process executed by the distribution result display means 140 is an example of a distribution result display step.

[0039] Here, "the distribution result display means 140 causes the user terminal 20 to display a screen" refers to the distribution result display means 140 instructing the terminal program 23P of the user terminal 20 to display a screen. Instructing to display a screen may refer to, for example, transmitting screen data of a screen to be displayed on the monitor 31, or may refer to transmitting information to be displayed on the screen (for example, numerical values, icons, images). In the following, these processes will be omitted. The same applies to the other control means.

[0040] The game result display means 150 displays the game result on the play terminal 20A. More specifically, the game result display means 150 displays the result screens shown in Figs. 8 to 13(A) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. The game result is information indicating the result of playing the main content of the game. The game result includes, for example, the win or loss of the main content, the performance of the player operating the play terminal 20A, the mastery rank of the main content, the experience points given to the player, and the benefits given to the player. The process executed by the game result display means 150 is an example of a game result display step.

[0041] When the display of multiple game results is skipped on the play terminal 20A, the simplified display means 160 causes the play terminal 20A to simply display the game results whose display was skipped together. More specifically, the simplified display means 160 causes the play terminal 20A to display a summary screen shown in Fig. 13(A). The process executed by the simplified display means 160 is an example of a simplified display step.

[0042] After displaying the game result on the play terminal 20A, the confirmation means 170 confirms whether or not to play the game (main contents) again. More specifically, after the result screens shown in Figs. 8 to 13(A) are displayed (or a part of them is skipped), the confirmation means 170 displays the confirmation screen shown in Fig. 13(B) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. Then, when the [Retry] icon is tapped, the confirmation means 170 causes the play terminal 20A to continue playing the main contents. On the other hand, when the [Home] icon is tapped, the confirmation means 170 causes the play terminal 20A to transition to the home screen shown in Fig. 5(A) without continuing to play the main contents. The process executed by the confirmation means 170 is an example of a confirmation step.

[0043] The information display means 180 displays, on the viewing terminal 20B, a viewing privilege granted in response to viewing a game image. More specifically, the information display means 180 displays the viewing privilege in the UI area A2, as shown in Fig. 15(A) and Fig. 15(B). The process executed by the information display means 180 is an example of an information display step.

[0044] The viewing reward is something given to the viewer 20B to increase motivation to view the game images. The viewing reward may be, for example, an item or coins that can be used in the game provided by the game server 10, or experience points given by playing the game (for example, a part of experience points given to the player 20A who played the game on the play terminal 20A). The viewing reward is an example of information for the viewer that is included in the game result. However, specific examples of information for the viewer are not limited to the viewing reward.

[0045] The prediction accepting means 190 accepts, during distribution of a standby image (confirmation image) showing a confirmation screen, a ranking prediction of the player 20A operating the playing terminal 20A in the subsequently played game through the viewing terminal 20B. More specifically, the prediction accepting means 190 displays a prediction acceptance screen shown in Fig. 15(B) on the monitor 31 of the viewing terminal 20B. Then, the prediction accepting means 190 accepts ranking predictions from the viewer 20B of the viewing terminal 20B through the [1st place] icon, [2nd to 6th place] icon, and [7th to 12th place] icon. The process executed by the prediction accepting means 190 is an example of a prediction accepting step.

[0046] [Game distribution processing] Game distribution provided by the game server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 shows examples of a home screen (A) and a matching screen (B). Fig. 6 shows examples of a play screen (A) and a viewing screen (B). Note that the game (main content) according to this embodiment has two groups (teams) each of which has six players (avatars), and the groups compete against each other. The competition may be, for example, a battle between players, or a competition to see who can obtain the most items. The game may also include a portrait screen (e.g., Fig. 5) and a landscape screen (e.g., Fig. 6(A)).

[0047] First, the game progression means 110 displays the home screen shown in Fig. 5(A) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. Then, when the [Battle] icon is tapped, the game progression means 110 performs matching with other players who wish to participate in the game (i.e., a player's own team is formed of six players including the player 20A, and an enemy team is formed of the other six players). Then, the game progression means 110 displays a matching screen (Fig. 5(B)) showing the matching result on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A.

[0048] Next, the game progression means 110 displays the play screen shown in FIG. 6(A) on the play terminal 20A in response to all the players' user terminals 20 being ready to play the main content. Then, the game progression means 110 moves the player's avatar, attacks the other player's avatar, and acquires an item in accordance with the operation of the player 20A via the operation device 42. Then, the game progression means 110 shares this game data among all the play terminals 20, thereby synchronously progressing the main content on all the play terminals 20. Note that the player's avatar is an avatar operated by the player 20A, and the other player's avatar is an avatar operated by a player other than the player 20A.

[0049] Furthermore, when the [Start distribution] icon displayed on the play terminal 20A is tapped at any timing, the distribution control means 120 causes the distribution means 130 to start game distribution to the viewing terminal 20B that wishes to view the play image of the play terminal 20A (for example, the viewing terminal 20B has selected the play terminal 20A from a list of play terminals 20 currently distributing a game). The distribution means 130 transmits the game image of the play terminal 20A to the viewing terminal 20B.

[0050] More specifically, the distribution means 130 displays the viewing screen shown in Fig. 6(B) on the monitor 31 of the viewing terminal 20B. The viewing screen is a screen for allowing the viewer 20B to view game images and for providing the viewer 20B with an input / output interface (e.g., sending and displaying chat messages in a list, accepting ranking predictions, and notifying viewing privileges) for the game server 10. As shown in Fig. 6(B), the viewing screen includes a viewing area A1 and a UI area A2.

[0051] The viewing area A1 is an area that displays image data received from the game server 10. The UI area A2 is an area that provides an input interface from the viewer 20B to the game server 10 (e.g., input of text chat, cheers, gifts, and predicted rankings) and an output interface from the game server 10 to the viewer 20B (e.g., display of a list of text chats of other viewers, notification of viewing benefits). As shown in FIG. 6(B), the distribution means 130 displays a list of text chats, an input area for text chats, an [Cheers] icon, and a [Gift] icon in the UI area A2 in synchronization with displaying play images in the viewing area A1.

[0052] A user operating the viewing terminal 20B can input text chat and tap the [cheer] icon or the [gift] icon while viewing the game image displayed in the viewing area A1. The distribution means 130 then reflects the input text chat in the UI area A2 of all the viewing terminals 20. The distribution means 130 also tallies up the cheers and gifts input at all the viewing terminals 20. An cheer is an expression of support for the player 20A. A gift is a present (e.g., coins, items, etc.) sent to the player 20A. Furthermore, the distribution means 130 tallies up the time during which the playing terminal 20A has distributed the game image, the cumulative number of viewers who have viewed the game image, and the like.

[0053] For example, when a "Stop viewing" icon displayed in the upper left corner of the viewing area A1 of the viewing terminal 20B is tapped, the delivery control means 120 stops the game delivery to the viewing terminal 20B. Also, for example, when a "Stop delivery" icon displayed on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A is tapped, the delivery control means 120 stops the game delivery to all viewing terminals 20. The processing of the game progression means 110, delivery control means 120, and delivery means 130 may be similar to existing technology.

[0054] [Game result processing for players] The player game result processing will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 13. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the player game result processing. Fig. 8 is an example of a screen for a win / loss presentation. Fig. 9 is an example of a screen for a performance presentation. Fig. 10 is an example of a screen for a rank-up presentation. Fig. 11 is an example of a screen for an experience value presentation. Fig. 12 is an example of a screen for a treasure chest presentation. Fig. 13 is an example of a summary screen (A) and a confirmation screen (B). The player game result processing is processing for displaying the game results of the main content played by the player 20A on the play terminal 20A. The player game result processing is executed in response to the end of play of the main content.

[0055] First, the game result display means 150 executes a win / loss presentation (S11). The win / loss presentation is a presentation for displaying the win / loss of the main content on the play terminal 20A. The win / loss of the main content according to this embodiment indicates whether the team to which the player 20A belongs (the player's team) has won or lost. The game result display means 150 sequentially displays, for example, a screen (FIG. 8(A)) indicating that the player's team has won, a screen (FIG. 8(B)) indicating the cumulative number of wins and losses of the player's team and the opponent's team, and a screen (FIG. 8(C)) indicating the contribution of each player belonging to the player's team in the main content on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. However, a specific example of the win / loss presentation is not limited to the example of FIG. 8.

[0056] Next, the game result display means 150 executes a performance presentation (S12). The performance presentation is a presentation in which the performance of the player 20A in the main content is displayed on the play terminal 20A. The performance of the player 20A refers to the points acquired by the player 20A playing the main content, the degree of the player 20A's activity (for example, the number of other avatars defeated or the number of times the player's avatar was defeated, the time the player's avatar survived, the amount of recovery, the damage inflicted, and the damage received), and the point ranking of all players who played the main content. For example, the game result display means 150 sequentially displays a screen (FIG. 9(A)) showing the points acquired by the player 20A, a screen (FIG. 9(B)) showing the degree of the player 20A's activity, and a screen (FIG. 9(C)) showing the point ranking on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A. However, a specific example of the performance presentation is not limited to the example of FIG. 9.

[0057] Then, the game result display means 150 displays a [skip] icon on the last screen of the performance presentation, as shown in FIG. 9(C). The [skip] icon is an icon for skipping the display of the game result. This [skip] icon is not displayed on the screens before FIG. 9(C) among various screens that display the game result, but is displayed on the screens after FIG. 9(C). In other words, the game result display means 150 prohibits skipping of the win / loss presentation and the performance presentation, but allows skipping of the rank-up presentation, experience value presentation, and treasure chest presentation, which will be described later. However, the [skip] icon does not need to be displayed on all screens after FIG. 9(C). For example, the [skip] icon does not need to be displayed on the presentation screen that is overlaid on the main screen.

[0058] Next, when the [Skip] icon in FIG. 9(C) is not tapped (S13: No), the game result display means 150 executes a rank-up effect (S14). The rank-up effect is an effect that displays the rank of the player 20A's mastery of the main content on the play terminal 20A. The mastery of the player 20A in the main content is a value that is determined in consideration of the win or loss of the main content, the ranking of the player 20A in the main content, the acquired score, the presence or absence of a winning streak, and the like. When the mastery exceeds a threshold, the rank of the player 20A increases. For example, the game result display means 150 displays a screen (FIG. 10(A)) showing the mastery of the player 20A, and when the rank increases, displays a rank-up effect screen (FIG. 10(B)) in a superimposed manner, and returns to the screen of FIG. 10(A). However, a specific example of the rank-up effect is not limited to the example of FIG. 10.

[0059] Next, if the [Skip] icon in FIG. 10(A) is not tapped (S15: No), the game result display means 150 executes an experience point presentation (S16). The experience point presentation is a presentation in which the experience point presented to the player 20A by playing the main content is displayed on the play terminal 20A. For example, the game result display means 150 displays a screen (FIG. 11(A)) showing the experience point presented to the player 20A, and when the player has leveled up, superimposes a level-up presentation screen (FIG. 11(B)) and returns to the screen of FIG. 11(A) again. However, specific examples of the experience point presentation are not limited to the example of FIG. 11.

[0060] Next, the game result display means 150 executes a treasure chest presentation (S18) when the [Skip] icon in FIG. 11(A) is not tapped (S17: No). The treasure chest presentation is a presentation in which the benefits (e.g., items, coins, chips, etc.) given to the player 20A by playing the main content are displayed on the play terminal 20A. For example, the game result display means 150 displays a screen (FIG. 12(A)) showing the benefits given to the player 20A, and when a special (e.g., rare) benefit is given, superimposes a rare presentation screen (FIG. 12(B)), and returns to the screen of FIG. 12(A) again. However, a specific example of the treasure chest presentation is not limited to the example of FIG. 12.

[0061] Then, the game result display means 150 ends the display of the game result by ending the treasure chest presentation. Note that specific examples of game results are not limited to the examples of S11, S12, S14, S16, and S18. Also, the display order of multiple game results is not limited to the example of FIG. 7. Furthermore, specific examples of game results that prohibit skipping and game results that allow skipping are not limited to the example of FIG. 7.

[0062] On the other hand, when the [Skip] icon is tapped (S13: Yes / S15: Yes / S17: Yes), the game result display means 150 skips displaying the subsequent game results. That is, when the [Skip] icon is tapped (S13: Yes / S15: Yes / S17: Yes), the game result display means 150 ends displaying the game results.

[0063] Then, when the [Skip] icon is tapped (S13: Yes / S15: Yes / S17: Yes), the simplified display means 160 displays the summary screen shown in FIG. 13(A) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A (S19). The summary screen is a screen that compiles and displays in a simplified manner the game results whose display was skipped. For example, when the rank-up effect is skipped, it simply displays that "the player has been promoted to rank gold", when the experience value effect is skipped it simply displays that "the character level has been increased", and when the treasure chest effect is skipped it simply displays that "the player has acquired a badge". In other words, the content displayed on the summary screen changes depending on the timing when the [Skip] icon is tapped.

[0064] Next, the confirmation means 170 displays a confirmation screen shown in Fig. 13(B) on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A in response to the completion of displaying the game results (when all game results have been displayed or when displaying some of the game results has been skipped) (S20). The confirmation screen is a screen for confirming with the player 20A whether or not to re-execute the main content (play the main content again) on the play terminal 20A. The confirmation screen includes a [Retry] icon and a [Home] icon.

[0065] Then, when the [Retry] icon is tapped (S21: Retry), the confirmation means 170 displays the matching screen (FIG. 5(B)) while waiting for the participation of other players and starts the main content again (S22). On the other hand, when the [Home] icon is tapped (S21: Home), the confirmation means 170 displays the home screen (FIG. 5(A)) without re-executing the main content (S23).

[0066] [Game result processing for viewers] The viewer's game result processing will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the viewer's game result processing. Fig. 15 shows examples of a viewing bonus screen (A) displayed together with the experience point effect, a viewing bonus screen (B) when the experience point effect is skipped, and a prediction acceptance screen (C). The viewer's game result processing is processing for displaying a result image on the viewing terminal 20B. The viewer's game result processing is executed in parallel with the player's game result processing.

[0067] First, the distribution means 130 displays a result image of the play terminal 20A in the viewing area A1 of the monitor 31 of the viewing terminal 20B (S31). That is, in the viewing area A1 of the viewing terminal 20B, a result image showing the various effects (S11, S12, S14, S16, S18, S19) displayed on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A is displayed in synchronization with the effects.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 15(A), when a result image showing an experience point effect is displayed in the viewing area A1 (i.e., the [Skip] icon is not tapped before the experience point effect) (S32: Yes), the information display means 180 displays a viewing bonus (15 EXP, 5 pt) in the UI area A2 together with the result image showing the experience point effect (S33). The experience points shown in the experience point effect are an example of a specific result among multiple game results. However, specific examples of the specific result are not limited to this.

[0069] The result image continues to be displayed in the viewing area A1 of the viewing terminal 20B (S31) until all game results are displayed on the playing terminal 20A or until the [Skip] icon is tapped midway (S34: No). Then, the distribution means 130 displays a standby image in the viewing area A1 of the viewing terminal 20B after the result image has ended. Then, when the result image has ended (S34: Yes), the information display means 180 determines whether or not a viewing bonus has been displayed (S35). In other words, the information display means 180 determines whether or not the experience point presentation has been skipped.

[0070] Next, when it is determined that the viewing privilege has not yet been displayed (i.e., the display of the specific result has been skipped) (S35: No), the information display means 180 displays the viewing privilege on the viewing terminal 20B after the result image has been skipped (S36). More specifically, as shown in Fig. 15(B), the information display means 180 displays the viewing privilege in the UI area A2 together with the standby image of the confirmation screen displayed in the viewing area A1. In addition, the information display means 180 displays a [rank prediction] icon in the UI area A2 together with the viewing privilege.

[0071] Next, when the [Rank Prediction] icon is tapped while the standby image showing the confirmation screen is displayed in the viewing area A1 (S37: Yes), the prediction accepting means 190 displays a prediction accepting screen in the UI area A2 together with the standby image of the confirmation screen displayed in the viewing area A1 (S38), as shown in FIG. 15(C). Then, the prediction accepting means 190 accepts the ranking prediction of the player 20A in the main content to be subsequently played (for example, tapping the [1st place] icon, the [2nd to 6th place] icon, or the [7th to 12th place] icon) through the prediction accepting screen. The result of the ranking prediction accepted by the prediction accepting means 190 may be taken into account, for example, in the next viewing privilege.

[0072] On the other hand, if the [rank prediction] icon is not tapped while the standby image showing the confirmation screen is displayed in the viewing area A1 (S37: No), the prediction accepting means 190 does not display the prediction accepting screen. Also, if the information display means 180 determines that the viewing privilege has already been displayed (i.e., the display of the specific result has not been skipped) (S35: Yes), it skips the process of step S36. Furthermore, if the process of step S36 is skipped, the prediction accepting means 190 displays the prediction accepting screen in the UI area A2 together with the standby image of the confirmation screen displayed in the viewing area A1 (S38), as shown in FIG. 15(C), regardless of whether the [rank prediction] icon is tapped.

[0073] That is, when at least a part of the game result is skipped at the play terminal 20A, the distribution means 130 causes the viewing terminal 20B to skip the result image while leaving the viewer-oriented information included in the information on the game result.

[0074] [Distribution result processing] The distribution result process will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 21. Fig. 16 is a flowchart of the distribution result process. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of distribution stop via a home screen. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a countdown screen to the end of distribution. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution result screen (A) and a gift list screen (B). Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of distribution stop via a confirmation screen. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a toast display indicating the end of distribution (A) and a distribution end notification screen (B). The distribution result process is a process for displaying the distribution result on the play terminal 20A. The distribution result process is executed in response to the game distribution being stopped on the play terminal 20A.

[0075] There may be multiple methods for stopping the game distribution on the play terminal 20A. As one example, when the [Distribution Menu] icon on the home screen of FIG. 17(A) is tapped, the distribution menu screen of FIG. 17(B) is displayed superimposed on the home screen. Then, when the [Stop Distribution] icon in the upper right corner of the distribution menu screen is tapped, the game distribution ends. As another example, when the [Stop Distribution] icon in the upper left corner of the confirmation screen of FIG. 20(A) is tapped, the confirmation dialog of FIG. 20(B) is displayed superimposed on the confirmation screen. Then, when the [End] icon in the confirmation dialog is tapped, the game distribution ends. As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 18, when a predetermined time (e.g., 6 hours) has elapsed since the start of the game distribution, the game distribution ends.

[0076] First, when the distribution of game images is stopped, the distribution control means 120 judges whether the game distribution was normal or not (S41). Normal game distribution, for example, refers to distribution of game images in which the primary content is played legitimately. On the other hand, abnormal game distribution, for example, refers to distribution of game images in which the primary content is not played legitimately (for example, abandoned images). The distribution control means 120 may judge whether the game distribution is normal or not based on the operation state (for example, number of times, period) of the operation device 42 of the play terminal 20A during the game distribution. However, the method of judgment in step S41 is not limited to this.

[0077] Next, when the distribution result display means 140 determines that the game distribution was abnormal (S41: No), it does not execute the processes in step S42 and thereafter and ends the distribution result process. That is, when the distribution result display means 140 determines that the game distribution was abnormal (S41: No), it does not notify the player 20A of the distribution result and does not grant experience points, gifts, and the like to the player 20A who distributed the game.

[0078] Next, when it is determined that the game distribution is normal (S41: Yes), the distribution result display means 140 determines whether or not the game distribution has been stopped through the home screen (S42). As shown in FIG. 17(B), tapping the [Stop Distribution] icon on the distribution menu screen superimposed on the home screen is an example of stopping the game distribution through the home screen. Also, as shown in FIG. 18(A), the lapse of a predetermined time while the home screen is displayed on the monitor 31 is another example of stopping the game distribution through the home screen. The home screen is an example of a specific screen. However, specific examples of the specific screen are not limited to the home screen.

[0079] Then, when it is determined that the game distribution has been stopped through the home screen (S42: Yes), the distribution result display means 140 causes the distribution result screen shown in FIG. 19(A) to be superimposed on the home screen and displayed on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A (S46). The distribution result screen is a screen that displays the results of distribution of the game image of the play terminal 20A (distribution result). The distribution result screen displays, for example, distribution results tallied by the game server 10 (for example, distribution time, number of viewers by type, number of gifts and cheers received from viewers, distribution acquisition score, etc.).

[0080] Next, in response to tapping the [Next] icon on the distribution result screen, the distribution result display means 140 determines whether or not a gift was received from a viewer during the game distribution (S47). Then, when the distribution result display means 140 determines that a gift was received from a viewer (S47: Yes), it superimposes the gift list screen shown in Fig. 19(B) on the home screen and displays it on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20A (S48). The gift list screen is a screen that displays a list of viewers who have sent gifts to the player 20A who is distributing the game, in order of the number of gifts sent.

[0081] Then, when the [Close] icon on the gift list screen is tapped, the delivery result display means 140 returns to the home screen. Also, when it is determined that no gift has been received from the viewer (S47: No), the delivery result display means 140 returns to the home screen without displaying the gift list screen.

[0082] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 20, tapping the [End] icon in the confirmation dialog superimposed on the confirmation screen is an example of stopping the game distribution through a screen other than the home screen. Also, as shown in Fig. 18(B), the passage of a predetermined time while the confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 31 is another example of stopping the game distribution through a screen other than the home screen. However, the "screen other than the home screen" is not limited to the confirmation screen.

[0083] Then, when it is determined through the confirmation screen that the game distribution has been stopped (S42: No), the distribution result display means 140 displays a toast (or a pop-up) with messages "Distribution has ended" and "Return to the home screen to view the distribution results" superimposed on the confirmation screen (S43), as shown in Fig. 21(A). This distribution end notification screen may be automatically erased after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0084] Next, the distribution result display means 140 waits to execute the processing in step S45 and thereafter until the screen transitions to the home screen (S44: No). Next, the distribution result display means 140 superimposes the distribution end dialog shown in FIG. 21(B) on the home screen at the timing of the screen transition to the home screen (S44: Yes) and displays it on the monitor 31 of the play terminal 20 (S45). The distribution end dialog is a screen for notifying the stop of the game distribution. Then, when the [Close] icon in the distribution end dialog is tapped, the distribution result display means 140 executes the processing in step S46 and thereafter. That is, when the game distribution is stopped through the confirmation screen (S42: No), the distribution result display means 140 transitions the screen to the home screen (S44: Yes) and then displays the distribution result screen on the monitor 31 (S46).

[0085] [Effects of this embodiment] According to the above embodiment, when the game result is not skipped on the play terminal 20A, the viewing bonus is displayed on the viewing terminal 20B together with the experience point effect. On the other hand, when the experience point effect is skipped on the play terminal 20A, the viewing bonus is displayed on the viewing terminal 20B after the result image is skipped (in other words, together with the standby image following the result image). This makes it possible to properly notify the viewer 20B that the viewing bonus has been granted (i.e., information for viewers of the distribution) even if the player 20A skips an effect in which he or she is not interested.

[0086] However, when the game result is not skipped, what is displayed on the viewing terminal 20B together with the viewing reward is not limited to a result image showing an experience value effect. Also, when the game result is skipped, what is displayed on the viewing terminal 20B together with the viewing reward is not limited to a standby image showing a confirmation screen.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the game result is not skipped on the play terminal 20A, a prediction acceptance screen is displayed together with a standby image showing a confirmation screen. On the other hand, when the experience point effect is skipped, the viewing privilege is displayed on the viewing terminal 20B in preference to the prediction acceptance screen. This makes it possible to more appropriately notify the viewer 20B that the viewing privilege has been granted.

[0088] Furthermore, when a [rank prediction] icon displayed together with the viewing privilege is tapped, a prediction acceptance screen is displayed, so that the viewer 20B who has confirmed the viewing privilege can predict the ranking of the next main content. However, the display timing of the prediction acceptance screen is not limited to the above example. Also, the acceptance of ranking predictions can be omitted.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by distinguishing between game results that are prohibited from being skipped and game results that are permitted to be skipped, the player 20A can be made aware of game results that maintain motivation for the primary content. However, the game results that are prohibited from being skipped and the game results that are permitted to be skipped are not limited to the above examples. Moreover, skipping of all game results may be permitted.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when a game result is skipped, the skipped game results are displayed together in a simplified manner. This allows the player 20A, who does not want to see a long presentation, to be aware of the game results. This allows the player 20A to maintain his or her motivation for the primary content.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the game distribution is stopped through a screen other than the home screen, the distribution result screen is displayed after the screen transition to the home screen. This makes it possible to prevent the distribution result screen from being displayed, for example, when waiting to decide whether to continue playing the primary content (FIG. 20) or while the primary content is being played. As a result, the player 20A can be made aware of the distribution result without interfering with the play of the primary content.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the screen transition is made to the home screen after the game distribution is stopped, the distribution end dialogue is displayed prior to the distribution result screen, so that the player 20A can check the distribution result without feeling unnatural even if a long time has passed since the game distribution was stopped.

[0093] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is not limited to being executed by a single device, but may be executed by multiple devices in a shared manner. Furthermore, the division of roles between the game server 10 and the user terminal 20 is not limited to the above example. That is, part of the processing of the game server 10 may be executed by the user terminal 20, and part of the processing of the user terminal 20 may be executed by the game server 10.

[0094] Furthermore, a part or all of the means realized by the program can be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit. Furthermore, the program may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium that can be read by a computer. Examples of the recording medium include a hard disk, an SD card, a DVD, and a server on the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...system, 2...communication network, 10...game server, 11,21...processor, 12,22...memory, 13,23...storage, 13P...server program, 14...input / output interface, 15,25...communication interface, 19,29...communication bus, 20...user terminal, 23P...terminal program, 31...monitor, 33,34...camera, 35...microphone, 36...speaker, 41...motion sensor, 42...operation device, 110...game progression means, 120...distribution control means, 130...distribution means, 140...distribution result display means, 150...game result display means, 160...simple display means, 170...confirmation means, 180...benefit display means, 190...prediction acceptance means

Claims

1. causing the processor to deliver to the viewer a game image of the game being executed on the terminal; the game image includes a result image showing information on a result of a game executed on the terminal, A program that causes the processor to, when at least a portion of the result information is skipped on the terminal, skip the result image on a terminal operated by the viewer while leaving information for the viewer that is included in the result information.

2. The program according to claim 1, The processor, After displaying the result information on the terminal, the player is prompted to confirm whether or not to continue playing the game; When the result information is skipped on the terminal, the program causes a terminal operated by the viewer to display information for the viewer together with a confirmation image for asking whether to continue playing the game.

3. The program according to claim 2, The game is a competitive game in which multiple players compete against each other, a program that causes the processor to accept, while the confirmation image is being displayed, a predicted ranking of players in the next game to be played, via a terminal operated by the viewer.

4. The program according to claim 3, The processor, When at least a part of the information on the result is skipped on the terminal, a ranking prediction icon is displayed on the terminal operated by the viewer together with the information for the viewer; When the ranking prediction icon is selected, a ranking prediction is accepted through a prediction acceptance screen displayed on a terminal operated by the viewer in place of information for the viewer.

5. The program according to claim 1, The processor, displaying, in sequence at least on the terminal, as the result information, the performance of the player operating the terminal and the experience points given to the player; A program that prohibits skipping the display of the player's achievements and permits skipping the display of experience points given to the player.

6. The program according to claim 1, A program that causes the processor to, when the result information is skipped on the terminal, collectively display the result information whose display has been skipped on the terminal.

7. The program according to claim 1, A program that causes the processor to display a result of the distribution of the game image on the terminal when the distribution of the game image is stopped.

8. The program according to claim 7, A program that causes the processor to, when the distribution of the game image is stopped through a screen other than a specific screen, notify the processor of the stop of the distribution of the game image at the time of screen transition to the specific screen, and then display the distribution result.

9. A distribution means for distributing game images of a game being executed on the terminal to viewers, the game image includes a result image showing information on a result of a game executed on the terminal, The system wherein the distribution means, when at least a portion of the result information is skipped on the terminal, skips the result image on a terminal operated by the viewer while leaving information for the viewer contained in the result information.

10. A distribution step of distributing a game image of a game being executed on a terminal to a viewer, the game image includes a result image showing information on a result of a game executed on the terminal, The method includes, when at least a portion of the result information is skipped on the terminal, causing a terminal operated by the viewer to skip the result image while leaving information for the viewer contained in the result information.

Images