System and program

Abstract

To provide a system and a program that can reduce the delay that occurs between a video of an actual user's play and a video for viewing.SOLUTION: A system according to the present invention includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal includes first preparation means. The first preparation means makes preparations for a player to play a game. The second terminal includes notification acquisition means, second preparation means, and second transmission means. The notification acquisition means acquires a first notification regarding the preparations made by the first preparation means. The second preparation means makes preparations for spectators to view the player play the game in response to the first notification. The second transmission means transmits a second notification to the first terminal indicating that the preparations made by the second preparation means have been completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional system, for example, a system described in Non-Patent Document 1 is known. In this system, a custom room where a plurality of users can enter is established. And a user can play against other users in the custom room. Also, a user who is not participating in the game can watch the game.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the field of the system described in Non-Patent Document 1, there is a desire to reduce the delay that occurs between the video of an actual user's play and the video for viewing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and a program capable of reducing the delay that occurs between the video of an actual user's play and the video for viewing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect is The system includes a first terminal and a second terminal, The first terminal includes first preparation means. The first preparation means makes preparations for the player to play the game. The second terminal includes notification acquisition means, second preparation means, and second transmission means. The notification acquisition means acquires a first notification regarding the preparation by the first preparation means. The second preparation means makes preparations for the viewer to view the game play by the player in response to the first notification. The second transmission means transmits a second notification indicating that the preparation by the second preparation means has been completed to the first terminal. It is a system.

[0007] The second aspect is The preparation by the first preparation means includes a first loading process for the player to play the game. The preparation by the second preparation means includes a second loading process for the viewer to view the game play by the player. It is the system according to the first aspect.

[0008] The third aspect is The first terminal further includes first transmission means. The first preparation means acquires first information input by the player during the preparation for the player to play the game. The first transmission means transmits at least a part of the first information acquired by the first preparation means to the second terminal as the first notification. It is the system according to the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0009] The fourth aspect is The first terminal further includes game execution means. The game execution means starts the game play by the player when the start condition is satisfied. The start condition includes that the game execution means has acquired the second notification. The system according to any one of the first to third aspects.

[0010] The fifth aspect is that the second transmission means transmits a first permission notice for the viewer to permit the start of the game to the first terminal, the start condition further includes that the game execution means has acquired the first permission notice. The system according to the fourth aspect.

[0011] The sixth aspect is that the system includes X second terminals, the start condition further includes that the game execution means has acquired the first permission notice from the second transmission means of Y or more of the X second terminals, X is an integer of 2 or more, Y is an integer of 2 or more and X or less, The system according to the fifth aspect.

[0012] The seventh aspect is that the second terminal further includes first setting acquisition means, the first setting acquisition means acquires the settings of the game on the first terminal before the second transmission means transmits the first permission notice to the first terminal. The system according to the fifth or sixth aspect.

[0013] The eighth aspect is that the system further includes a host terminal, the host terminal includes second setting acquisition means, the second setting acquisition means acquires the settings of the game on the first terminal before the second transmission means transmits the first permission notice to the first terminal. The system according to the seventh aspect.

[0014] The ninth aspect is that After the game execution means acquires the second notification, the first preparation means acquires a second permission notification input by the player. The second permission notification is a notification permitting the player to start the game. The start condition further includes that the first preparation means has acquired the second permission notification. The system according to any one of the fourth aspect to the eighth aspect.

[0015] The tenth aspect is When the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means starts the play of the game by the player without operations on the first terminal and the second terminal. The system according to the fourth aspect.

[0016] The eleventh aspect is Even when the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means does not start the play of the game by the player in response to an interruption request from the first terminal or the second terminal. The system according to any one of the fourth aspect to the tenth aspect.

[0017] The twelfth aspect is The system further includes a plurality of the first terminals. The plurality of first terminals form a team. The number of times the interruption request can be made is set for the team. The system according to the eleventh aspect.

[0018] The thirteenth aspect is After waiting for a predetermined time after the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means starts the play of the game by the player. The system according to any one of the fourth aspect to the twelfth aspect.

[0019] The fourteenth aspect is The second terminal further includes video data output means, The video data output means outputs video data related to the game during the preparation by the second preparation means, The video data changes according to the first information, It is the system described in the third aspect.

[0020] The fifteenth aspect is, The second terminal further includes video data output means, The video data output means outputs video data related to the game during the preparation by the second preparation means, The video data includes information regarding the predetermined time, It is the system described in the thirteenth aspect.

[0021] The sixteenth aspect is, A program executed on the first terminal, The program causes the first terminal to function as first preparation means and game execution means, The first preparation means makes preparations for the player to play the game, The second terminal acquires a first notification regarding the preparation by the first preparation means, The second terminal makes preparations for a viewer to view the game played by the player according to the first notification, The second terminal transmits a second notification indicating that the preparation by the second terminal is completed to the first terminal, The game execution means starts the game played by the player when the start condition is satisfied, The start condition includes that the game execution means has acquired the second notification, It is a program.

[0022] The seventeenth aspect is, A program executed on the second terminal, The first terminal includes first preparation means, The first preparation means makes preparations for the player to play the game. The program causes the second terminal to function as a notification acquisition means, a second preparation means, and a second transmission means. The notification acquisition means acquires a first notification regarding the preparation by the first preparation means. The second preparation means makes preparations for a viewer to view the game play by the player in response to the first notification. The second transmission means transmits a second notification indicating that the preparation by the second preparation means is completed to the first terminal. It is a program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the delay occurring between the video of the actual user's play and the video for viewing can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

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[0025] (Embodiment) System 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] [Overview of System 1] First, the overall configuration of system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of systems 1, 1a to 1e.

[0027] The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes first terminal 10-1 to Nth terminal 10-N, first server 110, and second server 210. The first terminal 10-1 to Nth terminal 10-N, the first server 110, and the second server 210 can communicate with each other via a communication network. The network is the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0028] Each of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N is an information processing apparatus used by users US1 to USN. Each of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a home game machine, a portable game machine, or a personal computer.

[0029] The first server 110 and the second server 210 are computers. The first server 110 and the second server 210 provide responses corresponding to requests from the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N to the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N. The first server 110 is a server for the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N to play a communication game. In the present embodiment, the game is a fighting game in which a first character operated by the first terminal 10-1 and an Nth character operated by the Nth terminal 10-N fight against each other. The second server 210 is a server for the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N to make a video call.

[0030] Note that when user US1 operates the first terminal 10-1, user US1 plays the game. Therefore, the subject of the game-playing operation is user US1. However, in this specification, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, for example, "when user US1 operates the first terminal 10-1, user US1 plays the game" is simply described as the first terminal 10-1 playing the game. Note that the other operations of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N are the same as the operation of the first terminal 10-1 playing the game.

[0031] Next, the general operation of system 1 will be described. The (N - 1)th terminal 10 - N - 1 opens a room by accessing the second server 210. The first terminal 10 - 1 to the Nth terminal 10 - N can enter the room. Thereby, for example, the first terminal 10 - 1 can select an opponent from the second terminal 10 - 2 to the Nth terminal 10 - N and play a game battle. In this embodiment, the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N conduct a battle. When the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N conduct a battle, the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N communicate via peer - to - peer (P2P).

[0032] Furthermore, terminals among the first terminal 10 - 1 to the Nth terminal 10 - N that are not playing the game can watch the game battle. In this embodiment, the second terminal 10 - 2 can watch the battle between the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N.

[0033] To reduce the delay that occurs between the video of the actual user's play and the viewing video, system 1 performs the following operations. When the battle between the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N is determined, the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N start the first loading process for the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N to play the game. During this first loading process, the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N select a character and a method of operation. Then, the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N send a first notification including the character and the operation method to the second terminal 10 - 2.

[0034] When the second terminal 10 - 2 acquires the first notification, the second terminal 10 - 2 starts the second loading process for the second terminal 10 - 2 to watch the game play. Then, when the second loading process is completed, the second terminal 10 - 2 sends a second notification indicating that the preparation is completed to the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N. Thereby, the battle between the first terminal 10 - 1 and the Nth terminal 10 - N starts.

[0035] [Structure of the First Terminal 10 - 1 to the Nth Terminal 10 - N] Next, the structures of the first terminal 10-1 to the Nth terminal 10-N will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the first terminal 10-1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the first terminal 10-1 includes a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, a network interface 16, a camera 17, a graphic processing unit 18, a display 20, an audio processing unit 22, a speaker 24, and an operation unit 26.

[0037] The storage unit 14 stores programs and data. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a combination of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage (e.g., a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0038] The programs include, for example, the following programs. · A program of an OS (Operating System) · A program of an application that executes information processing (e.g., a web browser or the target application described later)

[0039] The data includes, for example, the following data. · A database referred to in information processing · Data obtained by executing information processing (i.e., the execution result of information processing)

[0040] The control unit 12 realizes the functions of the first terminal 10-1 by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 14. The control unit 12 is, for example, at least one of the following. · A CPU (Central Processing Unit) · A GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) · An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA (Field Programmable Array)

[0041] The control unit 12 includes, as functional blocks, a first preparation means 120, a first transmission means 122, a notification acquisition means 124, a second preparation means 126, a second transmission means 128, a game execution means 130, a second setting acquisition means 132, a video data output means 134, and a first setting acquisition means 136.

[0042] The network interface 16 controls the communication between the first terminal 10-1 and an external device. The external devices are the second terminal 10-2 to the Nth terminal 10-N, the first server 110, and the second server 210.

[0043] The camera 17 captures the state around the first terminal 10-1 and generates video data. In the present embodiment, the camera 17 captures the face of the user US1 using the first terminal 10-1.

[0044] The graphic processing unit 18 causes the display 20 to display a video based on the video data generated by the control unit 12. The display 20 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0045] The audio processing unit 22 causes the speaker 24 to output sound based on the audio data generated by the control unit 12.

[0046] The operation unit 26 generates an operation signal based on the operation of the user US1 and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 12.

[0047] Note that since the second terminal 10-2 to the Nth terminal 10-N have the same structure as the first terminal 10-1, the description thereof is omitted.

[0048] [Operation of System 1] Next, the operation of system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of system 1. FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams showing the video displayed on the display 20 of the first terminal 10-1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the video displayed on the display 20 of the second terminal 10-2.

[0049] By the control units 12 of the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2 reading out the programs stored by the storage unit 14, these programs cause the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2 to execute the operations described below. And the program functions the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2 as a first preparation means 120, a first transmission means 122, a notification acquisition means 124, a second preparation means 126, a second transmission means 128, a game execution means 130, a second setting acquisition means 132, a video data output means 134, and a first setting acquisition means 136.

[0050] First, the first terminal 10-1, the Nth terminal 10-N, and the first server 110 perform a process of determining a battle opponent (step S0). Specifically, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the video shown in FIG. 5 to be displayed on the display 20. The first terminal 10-1 can select a battle opponent from the second terminal 10-2 to the Nth terminal 10-N. For example, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits a selection notification selecting the Nth terminal 10-N as a battle opponent to the first server 110 via the network interface 16. The first server 110 receives the selection notification and transmits the selection notification to the Nth terminal 10-N. The control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N receives the selection notification via the network interface 16. Then, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N transmits a battle permission notification accepting to battle with the first terminal 10-1 to the first server 110 via the network interface 16. Thereby, the battle opponent determination process is completed.

[0051] Next, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 prepares for the user US1 (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 performs a first load process for the user US1 (player) to play the game (step S1). Thus, the preparation by the first preparation means 120 includes a first load process for the user US1 (player) to play the game. The first load process is an operation in which the control unit 12 reads character data from the storage unit 14 when the first terminal 10-1 selects a character, or the control unit 12 reads operation method data from the storage unit 14 when the first terminal 10-1 selects an operation method. The first load process also includes an operation in which the control unit 12 reads data for the first terminal 10-1 to perform a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. The data for the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 to perform a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N is, for example, a background image during the battle, etc.

[0052] Also, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N prepares for the user USN (player) to play the game. Specifically, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N performs a first load process for the user USN (player) to play the game (step S61). The processes to be performed by the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N hereafter are the same as those to be performed by the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 hereafter, so the description is omitted.

[0053] Next, during the first load process, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display the video shown in FIG. 6. The video shown in FIG. 6 is a video for selecting a character that the first terminal 10-1 uses in the battle. The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 selects character 1. When the character is selected, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display the video shown in FIG. 7. The video shown in FIG. 7 is a video for the first terminal 10-1 to select an operation method in the battle. By the selections in FIGS. 6 and 7, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the first information input by the user US1 (player) during the preparation for the user US1 (player) to play the game. In the present embodiment, the first information includes the character and the operation method selected by the first terminal 10-1.

[0054] Next, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the first information as a first notification to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S2). The first server 110 receives the first notification including the first information and transmits the first notification to the second terminal 10-2 (step S21). In this way, the control unit 12 (first transmission means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 transmits at least a part of the first information acquired by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 to the second terminal 10-2 as a first notification via the network interface 16. Note that after step S2, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 continues the first load process for the user US1 (player) to play the game (step S3).

[0055] The network interface 16 of the second terminal 10-2 receives the first notification and outputs it to the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2. As a result, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the first notification regarding the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 (step S41). Although detailed description is omitted, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the first notification regarding the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0056] Next, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 makes preparations for the user US1 (player) and the user USN (player) to play the game in response to the first notification. Specifically, the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 performs a second load process for the user US2 (viewer) to view the game play by the user US1 (player) and the user USN (player) (step S42). Thus, the preparation by the second preparation means 126 includes the second load process for the user US2 (viewer) to view the game play by the user US1 (player) and the user USN (player). The second load process is an operation in which the control unit 12 reads out the data of the character and operation method selected by the first terminal 10-1 and the data of the character and operation method selected by the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. Further, the second load process also includes an operation in which the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 reads out the data for the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 to perform a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from the storage unit 14. The data for the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 to perform a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is, for example, data such as background images during the battle. Also, the data for the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 to perform a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is not limited to the above data as long as it is data necessary for the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, and can be any data that should be read out before the transmission of the second notification.

[0057] Next, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 transmits, via the network interface 16, a second notification indicating that the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed, to the first server 110 (step S43). The first server 110 receives the second notification and transmits the second notification to the first terminal 10-1 (step S22). In this way, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits, via the network interface 16, a second notification indicating that the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed, to the first terminal 10-1. Although detailed description is omitted, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 also transmits the second notification to the Nth terminal 10-N via the network interface 16.

[0058] The network interface 16 of the first terminal 10-1 receives the second notification and outputs it to the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires a second notification indicating that the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed (step S4). Although detailed description is omitted, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N also acquires the second notification.

[0059] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the game play by the user US1 (player) when the start condition is satisfied. Similarly, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N starts the game play by the user USN (player) when the start condition is satisfied. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 and the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N have acquired the second notification. In this embodiment, the start condition is only that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 and the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the Nth terminal 10-N have acquired the second notification. Therefore, when the start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the game play by the users US1, USN (players) without the operations of the first terminal 10-1, the second terminal 10-2, and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0060] When the battle starts, as shown in FIG. 8, the user US1 operates the character CA1 by operating the operation unit 26. The user USN operates the character CAN by operating the operation unit 26. The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the operation signal generated by the operation unit 26 to the Nth terminal 10-N and the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S6). Similarly, although not shown, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N transmits the operation signal generated by the operation unit 26 to the first terminal 10-1 and the first server 110 via the network interface 16. Thereby, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N perform a communication battle. Further, the first server 110 transmits the operation signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the operation signal of the Nth terminal 10-N to the second terminal 10-2 (step S23).

[0061] The network interface 16 of the second terminal 10-2 receives the operation signals of the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, and outputs the operation signals of the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N to the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the operation signals of the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N (step S44). As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 can reproduce the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N based on the operation signals of the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N (step S45).

[0062] In parallel with the process of step S6, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits the video signal generated by the camera 17 to the second server 210 through the network interface 16 (step S8). Although not shown, the control unit 12 of the Nth terminal 10-N also transmits the video signal to the second server 210 through the network interface 16. The video signal generated by the camera 17 of the first terminal 10-1 (hereinafter, the video signal of the first terminal 10-1) is a video signal including the face of the user US1. The video signal generated by the camera 17 of the Nth terminal 10-N (hereinafter, the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N) is a video signal including the face of the user USN. The second server 210 receives the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N, and transmits the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N to the second terminal 10-2 (step S81).

[0063] The network interface 16 of the second terminal 10-2 receives the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N, and outputs the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N to the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 acquires the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 and the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N (step S46).

[0064] Next, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 generates a composite video by combining the video reproducing the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N acquired in step S45, the video indicated by the video signal of the first terminal 10-1 acquired in step S46, and the video indicated by the video signal of the Nth terminal 10-N acquired in step S46. Then, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 causes the display 20 to display the composite video shown in FIG. 9 (step S47). The composite video in FIG. 9 includes the video of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, the video including the face of the user US1, and the video including the face of the user USN. Thereby, the user US2 of the second terminal 10-2 can view the battle between the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 and the user USN of the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0065] [Effect] According to the system 1, as described below, the delay occurring between the video of the actual user US1's play and the viewing video can be reduced. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the comparative example. In the process of FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same processes as those in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the video displayed on the display of the first terminal according to the comparative example.

[0066] The operation of the system according to the comparative example is different from the operation of the system 1 in that steps S4, S22, and S43 are not performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit of the first terminal and the control unit of the Nth terminal start the battle without waiting for the completion of the second data loading process (step S42) of the second terminal (step S5). In this case, the battle reproduction process in step S45 is greatly delayed with respect to the battle start process in step S5. As a result, the viewing video is greatly delayed with respect to the video of the actual user US1's play. Therefore, the system according to the comparative example has coped with such a delay, for example, by fast-forwarding the first half of the battle video or cutting the end of the battle video. In this case, the user US2 cannot properly view the battle.

[0067] Furthermore, in the system according to the comparative example, in the video shown in FIG. 6, the first terminal selects a character, and in the video shown in FIG. 7, the first terminal selects an operation method. In this case, in response to the selection by the first terminal progressing, the first terminal reads out, by the first loading process, data for the user US1 to play the game in advance. As a result, the first loading process in step S3 of FIG. 10 is shortened. Consequently, the viewing video is further significantly delayed with respect to the play video of the actual user US1. On the other hand, if the first terminal does not read out, by the first loading process, data for the user US1 to play the game in advance in response to the selection by the first terminal progressing, the start of the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is delayed.

[0068] In addition, as a method for solving the above delay, for example, it can also be mentioned that the control unit of the second terminal starts the second data loading process (step S42) earlier. However, the second data loading process is executed based on the information included in the first notification. Therefore, the control unit of the second terminal cannot start the second data loading process before acquiring the first notification in step S41.

[0069] Also, in the system according to the comparative example, in order for user US2 to appropriately view the battle, the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is continuously conducted twice. Due to the delay, user US2 cannot appropriately view the first battle. Therefore, the system according to the comparative example conducts the first battle for adjustment and is set so that user US2 cannot watch the first battle. However, in the second battle, the characters and operation methods of the first battle are carried over. Therefore, the data of the characters and operation methods in the second battle uses the data of the characters and operation methods in the first battle. As a result, the first load process and the second load process in the second battle are shorter than the first load process and the second load process in the first battle. The timing when the second load process in the second battle ends is not significantly delayed with respect to the timing when the first load process in the second battle ends. As a result, the battle reproduction process in step S45 is less likely to be delayed with respect to the battle start process in step S5. Therefore, the viewing video is less likely to be delayed with respect to the video of the actual user US1's play, so user US2 can appropriately view the second battle. As described above, in the system according to the comparative example, the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is continuously conducted twice so that user US2 can appropriately view the battle.

[0070] Therefore, in System 1, as shown in step S43 of FIG. 3, the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a second notification indicating that the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 has been completed to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16. Thereby, after the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2 is completed, the first terminal 10-1 starts a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N. In this case, the battle reproduction process in step S45 is not significantly delayed with respect to the battle start process in step S5. From the above, according to System 1, the delay occurring between the video of the actual user US1's play and the viewing video can be reduced. Also, according to System 1, it is not necessary to continuously conduct the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N twice.

[0071] Incidentally, in the system according to the comparative example, the viewing video is significantly delayed with respect to the video of the actual user US1's play. On the other hand, the video signals of the first terminal and the Nth terminal are transmitted to the second terminal with a small delay after the battle start process in step S5. The small delay means the delay due to the transmission and reception of the video signal. As a result, the timing at which the video of the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is displayed is significantly delayed with respect to the timing at which the video including the face of user US1 and the video including the face of user USN are displayed. For example, in FIG. 11, the character CAN has received damage, and the battle video indicates that the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is in progress. On the other hand, in the video including the face of user US1 and the video including the face of user USN, user USN is smiling because of victory, and user US1 is crying because of defeat. Therefore, user US2 knows the battle result from the expressions of user US1 and user USN even though the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal is in progress.

[0072] On the other hand, according to System 1, it is possible to suppress the viewing video from being significantly delayed with respect to the video of the actual user US1's play. As a result, the timing at which the video of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is displayed is not significantly delayed with respect to the timing at which the video including the face of user US1 and the face of user USN are displayed. Therefore, in System 1, it is suppressed that user US2 knows the battle result from the expressions of user US1 and user USN during the battle between the first terminal and the Nth terminal.

[0073] In System 1, when the start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the game play by user US1 (player) without the operations of the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2. Thereby, the time for user US1 to wait for the start of the game play is shortened.

[0074] (First Modified Example) The system 1a according to the first modification example will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1a.

[0075] The system 1a is different from the system 1 in that the control unit 12 (second transmission means) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits a first permission notice permitting the user US2 (viewer) to start the game to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16. More specifically, after step S43, the control unit 12 of the second terminal 10-2 causes a video having a button for permitting the start of the game to be displayed on the display 20. Accordingly, the user US2 presses this button by operating the operation unit 26.

[0076] The control unit 12 (second transmission means) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits the first permission notice to the first server 110 via the network interface 16 (step S48). The first server 110 receives the first permission notice and transmits the first permission notice to the first terminal 10-1 (step S24). The network interface 16 of the first terminal 10-1 receives the first permission notice and outputs it to the control unit 12. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the first permission notice (step S8).

[0077] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the play of the game by the user US1 (player) when the start condition is satisfied. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the second notice and the first permission notice. The subsequent processing of the system 1a is the same as that of the system 1, so the description thereof is omitted. Also, the system 1a can achieve the same effects as the system 1.

[0078] In addition, there may be a plurality of terminals (second terminals) that view the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. In this case, there are variations in the performance of the plurality of terminals (second terminals). Therefore, the lengths of the second data loading processes of the plurality of terminals (second terminals) also vary. Thus, the start condition may include that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the second notification and the first permission notification from the plurality of terminals (second terminals). Thereby, in the plurality of terminals (second terminals), the delay occurring between the video of the actual user US1's play and the viewing video can be reduced.

[0079] (Second Modification Example) The system 1b according to the second modification example will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1b.

[0080] The system 1b differs from the system 1 in that the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 is a host terminal that opens a room. The control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 acquires the game settings in the first terminal 10-1 before the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits the first permission notification to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 acquires a video (hereinafter referred to as a setting video) for setting the game in the first terminal 10-1. The setting video includes information about the first terminal 10-1. The information is, for example, information about a character, an operation method, a character's clothing, the color of the character's clothing, a stage, and a controller.

[0081] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 12 of the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) transmits, via the network interface 16, a setting request for requesting a setting video to the first server 110 to the first terminal 10-1 (step S10). The first server 110 receives the setting request and transmits the setting request to the first terminal 10-1 (step S25). The network interface 16 of the first terminal 10-1 receives the setting request and outputs the setting request to the control unit 12. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the setting request (step S9).

[0082] The control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 transmits, via the network interface 16, the data of the setting video to the first server 110 (step S101). The first server 110 receives the data of the setting video and transmits the data of the setting video to the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) (step S26). The network interface 16 of the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) receives the data of the setting video and outputs the data of the setting video to the control unit 12. Thereby, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the data of the setting video (step S102). Thereby, the user USN-1 of the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) can confirm the setting video displayed on the display 20. The subsequent operation of the system 1b is the same as that of the system 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0083] According to system 1b, before the start of a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N, the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 can obtain a setting video. The setting video contains information about the first terminal 10-1. The information is, for example, information regarding a character, an operation method, the costume of the character, the color of the character's costume, a stage, and a controller. Therefore, the user USN-1 of the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 can determine whether there is a rule violation in the settings of the first terminal 10-1. The rules are determined by the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 (host terminal) that opened the room. A rule violation is, for example, that a prohibited character is selected, or a character costume that obstructs visibility in a game tournament is selected, etc. To obstruct visibility means, for example, that the character's costume is too large and it is difficult to recognize the size of the character. And if there is a rule violation in the settings of the first terminal 10-1, the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 may send a stop notice to the first server 110 to stop the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. Thereby, the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 can recognize a rule violation before the battle. Furthermore, it is suppressed that a battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is stopped during the battle when a rule violation is detected during the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0084] Also, when the color of the costume of the character of the first terminal 10-1 is similar to the color of the costume of the character of the Nth terminal 10-N, it is difficult to distinguish between these two characters. In this case, the (N-1)th terminal 10-N-1 may change the color of the costume of the character of the first terminal 10-1 or the color of the costume of the character of the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0085] (Third modification example) Hereinafter, the system 1c according to the third modification example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1c.

[0086] System 1c differs from System 1 in that the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the second permission notification input by the user US1 (player) after the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the second notification. The second permission notification is a notification permitting the user US1 (player) to start the game.

[0087] More specifically, after step S4, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display a video having a button for permitting the start of the game. Accordingly, the user US1 presses this button by operating the operation unit 26. Thereby, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires the second permission notification (step S11).

[0088] Next, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). More specifically, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the play of the game by the user US1 (player) when the start condition is satisfied. Here, the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the second notification and the second permission notification. The subsequent processing of System 1a is the same as that of System 1, so the description is omitted. Also, System 1a can achieve the same effects as System 1. Further, according to System 1a, it is possible to prevent the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from being started abruptly.

[0089] (Fourth Modification Example) Hereinafter, the system 1d according to the fourth modification example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1d.

[0090] System 1c differs from System 1 in that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 does not start the play of the game by the user US1 (player) in response to an interruption request of the first terminal 10-1 even when the start condition is satisfied.

[0091] More specifically, after step S4, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 causes the display 20 to display a video having a button indicating interruption of the game. Accordingly, the user US1 presses this button by operating the operation unit 26. Thereby, the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 acquires an interruption request (step S12). Thereby, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 interrupts the battle with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S13). The interruption request is also transmitted to the second terminal 10-2 and the Nth terminal 10-N via the first server 110.

[0092] Note that the interruption of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is released when the release condition is satisfied. The release condition is, for example, that a predetermined interruption time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed, or the first terminal 10-1 applies for interruption release. When the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is performed multiple times, if the first terminal 10-1 loses, the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 needs time to calm down. Therefore, the first terminal 10-1 can send an interruption request. Thereby, an interval is taken between battles, so that the user US1 of the first terminal 10-1 can calm down.

[0093] Also, when the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is performed multiple times, generally, each time the battle ends, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N select whether to perform a rematch (re-battle) between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N again. At this time, a time limit is provided for the time when the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N can select to perform a rematch so that the waiting time until the rematch is determined does not become too long.

[0094] However, in a game tournament, if the first terminal 10-1 or the Nth terminal 10-N desires an interval longer than the above-mentioned time limit, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N will choose not to have a rematch. In this case, the process returns to step S0. In this case, since the first loading process and the second loading process are performed again, it takes a long time until the rematch.

[0095] Therefore, in the system 1d, even when the start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 does not start the game played by the user US1 (player) in response to the interruption request of the first terminal 10-1. As a result, when an interval is taken between battles, the choice not to have a rematch is not made, so the process does not have to return to step S0 to ensure the interval.

[0096] (Fifth Modification Example) Hereinafter, the system 1e according to the fifth modification example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the system 1e.

[0097] The system 1e is different from the system 1 in that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 starts the game played by the user US1 (player) after waiting for a predetermined time after the start condition is satisfied (step S14). After step S14, the control unit 12 of the first terminal 10-1 starts a battle with the Nth terminal 10-N (step S5). After this, the operations performed by the system 1e are the same as those of the system 1, so the description is omitted. The system 1e can achieve the same effect as the system 1. Further, according to the system 1e, it is possible to prevent the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N from starting abruptly. Furthermore, according to the system 1e, during the waiting for the predetermined time, a countdown or a live broadcast can be performed to liven up the battle.

[0098] (Other Embodiments) The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0099] Note that the structures of systems 1, 1a to 1e may be arbitrarily combined.

[0100] Note that in system 1a, X second terminals 10-2 to (X-1)th terminals 10-(X-1) (X second terminals) may view the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. However, if the start condition includes that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the first permission notification from the X second terminals 10-2 to (X-1)th terminals 10-(X-1) (X second terminals), the start of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N will be delayed. Therefore, the start condition may further include that the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of Y or more terminals among the X second terminals 10-2 to (X-1)th terminals 10-(X-1) (X second terminals) has sent the first permission notification to the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1. Here, X is an integer of 2 or more. Y is an integer of 2 or more and X or less. Thereby, the delay in the start of the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N is suppressed.

[0101] Note that in system 1b, the start condition may include that the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 has acquired the third permission notification from the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) (host terminal). The third permission notification is a notification that the user USN-1 (host) permits the start of the game. Thereby, the host of the room can manage the progress of the battle. Therefore, the live broadcast of the battle starts at an appropriate timing.

[0102] In the system 1b, the control unit 12 (first setting acquisition means 136) of the second terminal 10-2 may acquire the game settings in the first terminal 10-1 before the control unit 12 (second transmission means 128) of the second terminal 10-2 transmits the first permission notification to the first terminal 10-1 via the network interface 16.

[0103] In the system 1c, a team battle for one-on-one combat may be conducted. That is, the first team and the second team may conduct a team battle. In this case, the system 1c includes a plurality of first terminals 10-1 and a plurality of M terminals 10-M. The plurality of first terminals 10-1 form the first team. The plurality of M terminals 10-M form the second team. In this case, a plurality of battles are conducted. And the number of times an interruption request can be made is set for each of the first team and the second team. Thereby, each of the first team and the second team can take an interval of the above number of times between battles. Therefore, the degree of freedom in tactics in the team battle is improved.

[0104] In the system 1c, even when the start condition is satisfied, the control unit 12 (game execution means 130) of the first terminal 10-1 may not start the game played by the user US1 (player) in response to an interruption request from the second terminal 10-2.

[0105] The control unit 12 (video data output means 134) of the second terminal 10-2 may output video data related to the game during the preparation by the control unit 12 (second preparation means 126) of the second terminal 10-2. The video data includes information regarding a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, the waiting time until the start of the battle. In this case, a video for counting down the time until the start of the battle is displayed on the display 20 of the second terminal 10-2.

[0106] Note that the video data may be, for example, data of an entrance scene of a character to fight. More specifically, the video data may change according to the first information. The first information is information input by the user US1 (player) during preparation for playing the game by the user US1 (player). The information input by the user US1 (player) is, for example, the character used by the first terminal 10-1. That is, when the character selected by the first terminal 10-1 changes, the entrance scene of the character to fight also changes. Note that when a rematch is started after the interruption in FIG. 15, the video data of the entrance scene may not be displayed. Also, instead of the video of the entrance scene, a video of a character entering from a control room, a bench, etc. may be displayed. Also, in the case of a team battle, a video of a plurality of characters of a team forming a circular formation may be displayed.

[0107] Note that the video data may be an advertisement video. Thereby, the sales of the products in the advertisement video are improved. In this case, the second terminal 10-2 may be set so that the advertisement video cannot be skipped.

[0108] Note that the game is not limited to a fighting type battle game. The game may be an action game, a shooting game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a card game, a sports game, a board game, a puzzle game, etc. For example, when the game is a card game, the character is a character card. The items are item cards and skill cards. In this case, for example, the user plays the game by operating the character card, the item card, and the skill card. Specifically, a card object corresponding to the player character depicted with the player character is set in association with a deck in the virtual space, and the player character corresponding to the card object fights against an enemy character.

[0109] When it is a game using cards, a card set (deck) is set by the first terminal 10-1. In this case, in the entry scene, instead of displaying the card deck, a character selected by the first terminal 10-1 may enter. Also, when the card game is a team battle, the first terminal 10-1 can be the leader. In this case, the leader can change the appearance of the character by changing the skin. When the appearance of the character is changed, the appearance of the character entering in the entry scene also changes.

[0110] Note that instead of the first terminal 10-1 playing against the Nth terminal 10-N, the game of the first terminal 10-1 against the computer may be viewed by the second terminal 10-2. Also, a battle among three or more terminals may be viewed by the second terminal 10-2.

[0111] Note that the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2 communicate via the first server 110. However, the first terminal 10-1 and the second terminal 10-2 may communicate, for example, peer-to-peer.

[0112] Note that instead of the first terminal 10-1 playing against the Nth terminal 10-N, the play of the game by the first terminal 10-1 may be viewed by the second terminal 10-2. Also, instead of the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N playing against each other, the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N may play the game cooperatively.

[0113] Note that the control unit 12 (first transmission means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 may transmit a part of the first information acquired by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 to the second terminal 10-2 as the first notification. For example, in addition to the character and the operation method, the first information may include a background video during the battle. In this case, the control unit 12 (first transmission means 122) of the first terminal 10-1 may transmit the character and the operation method and may not transmit the background video during the battle.

[0114] In addition, when a communication failure occurs between the second terminal 10-2 and the first server 110 or between the second terminal 10-2 and the second server 210, the second terminal 10-2 may be able to interrupt or cancel the battle during the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N. Also, the second terminal 10-2 may distribute a composite video via a video distribution service. Even when a communication failure occurs in the video distribution service, the second terminal 10-2 may be able to interrupt or cancel the battle during the battle between the first terminal 10-1 and the Nth terminal 10-N.

[0115] In addition, the control unit 12 (notification acquisition means 124) of the second terminal 10-2 may acquire a first notification regarding the preparation by the control unit 12 (first preparation means 120) of the first terminal 10-1 from a device other than the first terminal 10-1 (for example, the first server 110, the third terminal 10-3 to the Nth terminal 10-N, etc.).

[0116] In the system 1b, the control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) may acquire a character string regarding the game settings in the first terminal 10-1, a video immediately after the start of the battle, or a video combined with these, instead of the setting video. Also, the control unit 12 (second setting acquisition means 132) of the (N-1)th terminal 10-(N-1) may perform processing on a part where a rule violation exists in the game settings in the first terminal 10-1. By performing the processing, the part where the rule violation exists becomes conspicuous. The processing is, for example, processing such as changing the color of the characters or highlighting the characters.

[0117] In addition, the method for determining the battle opponent in step S0 is not limited to the exemplified method. For example, terminals wishing to battle may be solicited, and two terminals wishing to battle may engage in a battle. Also, the host terminal may specify two terminals to battle.

[0118] Note that in systems 1, 1a to 1e, it may be possible to switch between a first mode in which steps S4, S22, and S43 for transmitting and receiving the second notification are executed and a second mode in which steps S4, S22, and S43 for transmitting and receiving the second notification are not executed. In normal battles, quick battle start is important. On the other hand, in game tournaments, reliable viewing is important. Therefore, the second mode may be set in normal communication battles, and the first mode may be set in game tournaments.

[0119] Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of the present embodiment are exhibited. Also, it is possible to appropriately combine the present embodiment with other embodiments and between other embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0120] 1, 1a~1e: System 10-1: First terminal 10-2: Second terminal 10-M: Mth terminal 10-N: Nth terminal 10-N-1: (N-1)th terminal 10-X-1: (X-1)th terminal 12: Control unit 14: Storage unit 16: Network interface 17: Camera 18: Graphics processing unit 20: Display 22: Audio processing unit 24: Speaker 26: Operation unit 110: First server 120: First preparation means 122: First transmission means 124: Notification acquisition means 126: Second preparation means 128: Second transmission means 130: Game execution means 132: Second setting acquisition means 134: Video data output means 136: First setting acquisition means 210: Second Server

Claims

1. The system includes a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal includes first preparation means, and the first preparation means prepares for the player to play the game, the second terminal includes notification acquisition means, second preparation means, and second transmission means, the notification acquisition means acquires a first notification regarding the preparation by the first preparation means, the second preparation means prepares for the viewer to view the game play by the player in response to the first notification, and the second transmission means transmits a second notification indicating that the preparation by the second preparation means is completed to the first terminal. System.

2. The preparation by the first preparation means includes a first loading process for the player to play the game, and the preparation by the second preparation means includes a second loading process for the viewer to view the game play by the player. The system according to Claim 1.

3. The first terminal further includes first transmission means, the first preparation means acquires first information input by the player during the preparation for the player to play the game, and the first transmission means transmits at least a part of the first information acquired by the first preparation means to the second terminal as the first notification. The system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The first terminal further includes game execution means, the game execution means starts the game play by the player when a start condition is satisfied, and the start condition includes that the game execution means has acquired the second notification. The system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The second transmission means transmits a first permission notification for the viewer to permit the start of the game to the first terminal, and the start condition further includes that the game execution means has acquired the first permission notification. The system according to Claim 4.

6. The system includes X second terminals, and the start condition further includes that the game execution means has acquired the first permission notification from the second transmission means of Y or more of the X second terminals. X is an integer of 2 or more, and Y is an integer of 2 or more and X or less. The system according to Claim 5.

7. The second terminal further includes first setting acquisition means, The first setting acquisition means acquires the settings of the game on the first terminal before the second transmission means transmits the first permission notification to the first terminal. The system according to claim 5.

8. The system further includes a host terminal. The host terminal includes second setting acquisition means. The second setting acquisition means acquires the settings of the game on the first terminal before the second transmission means transmits the first permission notification to the first terminal. The system according to claim 7.

9. After the game execution means acquires the second notification, the first preparation means acquires a second permission notification input by the player. The second permission notification is a notification for permitting the player to start the game. The start condition further includes that the first preparation means has acquired the second permission notification. The system according to claim 4.

10. When the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means starts the game by the player without operations on the first terminal and the second terminal. The system according to claim 4.

11. Even when the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means does not start the game by the player in response to an interruption request from the first terminal or the second terminal. The system according to claim 4.

12. The system further includes a plurality of the first terminals. The plurality of first terminals form a team. The number of times the interruption request can be made is set for the team. The system according to claim 11.

13. After waiting for a predetermined time since the start condition is satisfied, the game execution means starts the game by the player. The system according to claim 4.

14. The second terminal further includes video data output means. The video data output means outputs video data related to the game during the preparation by the second preparation means. The video data changes according to the first information. The system according to claim 3.

15. The second terminal further includes video data output means. The video data output means outputs video data related to the game during the preparation by the second preparation means. The video data includes information regarding the predetermined time. The system according to claim 13.

16. A program executed on a first terminal, wherein the program causes the first terminal to function as first preparation means and game execution means, the first preparation means performs preparations for a player to play a game, a second terminal acquires a first notification regarding the preparations by the first preparation means, the second terminal performs preparations for a viewer to view the game play by the player in response to the first notification, the second terminal transmits a second notification indicating that the preparations by the second terminal are completed to the first terminal, the game execution means starts the game play by the player when a start condition is satisfied, the start condition includes that the game execution means has acquired the second notification, Program.

17. A program executed on a second terminal, the first terminal includes first preparation means, the first preparation means performs preparations for a player to play a game, the program causes the second terminal to function as notification acquisition means, second preparation means, and second transmission means, the notification acquisition means acquires a first notification regarding the preparations by the first preparation means, the second preparation means performs preparations for a viewer to view the game play by the player in response to the first notification, the second transmission means transmits a second notification indicating that the preparations by the second preparation means are completed to the first terminal, Program.

Images