Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that allows a user viewing a moving image on a game in which a plurality of users participates to intervene in the game.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a display control unit for displaying a plurality of voting objects in a terminal, a reception unit for receiving a vote to any one voting object, and a control unit for controlling the progress of a game on the basis of the vote. The display control unit causes a first terminal for displaying a first moving image associated with a first user to display a first voting object specified on the basis of at least one of the information on the first user and an operation by him or her out of the plurality of voting objects in a first mode, and display a third voting object different from the first voting object in a second mode, and causes a second terminal for displaying a second moving image associated with a second user to display a second voting object specified on the basis of at least one of the information on the second user and an operation by him or her out of the plurality of voting objects in the first mode, and display a fourth voting object different from the second voting object in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, communication terminals having touch panel displays such as smartphones have become widespread, and each user owns his or her communication terminal. Under such circumstances, a service that provides users with a community-type service on the Internet, that is, a social networking service (hereinafter referred to as "SNS") is known. As one such SNS, an online game (social game) is provided to users. In addition, it is also performed to distribute a game play video from a player who executes a game to a large number of viewers using a video distribution service.

[0003] For example, a game system having a point reception unit that receives voting points from a viewing terminal to which a game play video is distributed, and a change unit that changes the content of the game based on the voting points received from the viewing terminal is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In addition, a distribution server that distributes the game play of an online game in which a plurality of players can participate and controls the display mode of the distribution screen according to the situation of the game play is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Also, a viewing program executed on a viewing terminal including a processor, a memory, an input unit, and a display unit is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The viewing program causes the processor to perform a first step of performing viewing control for allowing a user to view content based on information live-distributed by a distributor, a second step of identifying an item consumable by the user for the content from among a plurality of types of items, a third step of consuming the item identified in the second step according to a user input operation, and a fourth step of outputting consumption information for enabling the distributor to identify that the item has been consumed. The content includes a first part and a second part as parts where an item can be consumed, and the second step switches the item to be identified when it is in the first part and when it is in the second part.

[0006] Also, a content distribution server is disclosed in which a viewer who has participated in a virtual space used for distributing live content can throw a unique virtual item into this virtual space to express approval or agreement with the live content (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0007] Also, a content distribution system that can encourage viewer users to participate in a service is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 5).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] For example, in a multiplayer game such as a battle game, the outcome of the battle is determined by differences such as the skills of the user (player) himself and the strength (attack power, defense power, stamina, etc.) of the character operated by the user. Therefore, when play videos of such games are distributed, the viewers do not affect the outcome of the battle.

[0010] Also, the above-described conventional technology does not disclose that a viewer of a game video in which multiplayer is performed in the distributed video intervenes in the game.

[0011] However, if the viewers of such videos can intervene in the game and affect the outcome of the battle or affect the in-game environment and display environment, various uncertain factors will increase, and it can be expected to have an unpredictable impact on the progress of the game. As a result, the willingness of users to participate in the game is improved, and at the same time, viewers are more willing to watch and intervene in the video.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention provides a technology that allows a user who views a video related to a game in which a plurality of users participate to intervene in the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a video related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate, a display control unit that causes a terminal to display a plurality of voting targets, a reception unit that receives votes from a plurality of terminals for at least one of the plurality of voting targets, and a control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. The display control unit causes a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user to display a first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first user among the plurality of voting targets in a first mode, and causes a third voting target different from the first voting target to be displayed in a second mode. For a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user, the display control unit causes a second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second user among the plurality of voting targets to be displayed in a first mode, and causes a fourth voting target different from the second voting target to be displayed in a second mode.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a user who views a video related to a game in which a plurality of users participate can intervene in the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing apparatus in this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a distribution unit 2, a reception unit 3, and a control unit 4. An example of the information processing apparatus 1 is the server 15 described later. The distribution unit 2 is an example of a display control unit described later. Hereinafter, the user may sometimes be simply referred to as a player. For example, the first user may be referred to as the first player, the second user may be referred to as the second player, and a plurality of users may be referred to as a plurality of players. Note that the user may include a game player and a viewer who views a video related to the game.

[0017] The distribution unit 2 (display control unit 25) distributes a video related to a game in which a plurality of players (users) including a first player (first user) and a second player (second user) participate to a viewing terminal. The distribution unit 2 (display control unit 25) causes the first viewing terminal (first terminal) to display the first video associated with the first player, and the second viewing terminal It is displayed on the [second terminal]. The first video and the second video may be different videos respectively. As an example of the first viewing terminal, the viewer terminal 12a described later can be cited. Further, as an example of the second viewing terminal, the viewer terminal 12b described later can be cited. In addition, as an example of the first video associated with the first player, the video played on the first player side viewing screen 41 described later can be cited. For example, the first video is a game video for viewing the game play of the first player. The first video may be, for example, a game video displayed on the game screen of the first player, or a game video obtained by shooting the game character operated by the first player with a virtual camera following the game character operated by the first player. In addition, as an example of the second video associated with the second player, the video played on the second player side viewing screen described later can be cited. For example, the second video is a game video for viewing the game play of the second player. The first video may be, for example, a game video displayed on the game screen of the second player, or a game video obtained by shooting the game character operated by the second player with a virtual camera following the game character operated by the second player.

[0018] The display control unit 25 causes the viewing terminal of the user (viewer) who has accessed a predetermined website to display a channel selection screen. On the channel selection screen, video channel information of a plurality of game videos that can be viewed by the user of the viewing terminal is displayed. The video channel information may include video titles, thumbnails, or player information such as the names of players of the respective game videos. Thereby, the video channels are displayed in association with the respective players. The videos that can be viewed by the user are, for example, videos in which the player is distributing game videos at the time when the user displays the channel selection screen.

[0019] When the user performs a selection operation on the video channel information displayed on the channel selection screen, the screen transitions to the viewing screen of the video channel on which the selection operation was performed. That is, the display control unit 25 causes the game video of the channel selected by the user among the plurality of videos displayed on the channel selection screen to be displayed on the user's viewing terminal. At this time, if it is before the acceptance of votes from viewers in the game video ends, information indicating a plurality of voting targets is displayed on the viewing terminal. Note that even after the acceptance of votes from viewers ends, a plurality of voting targets may be displayed, or a message indicating that the acceptance of votes has ended may be displayed on the screen.

[0020] The reception unit 3 receives votes from a plurality of viewing terminals including the first viewing terminal and the second viewing terminal for any one of the plurality of voting targets. The voting targets are, for example, game objects or game characters that affect game events. The voting targets are, for example, objects that can be placed on the game field and can be acquired by the player character operated by the player and used for attack or defense, or in-game objects that can be equipped on the player character. The voting targets may be, for example, the game character operated by the player, or the enemy character that battles against the game character operated by the player. An example of the reception unit 3 is the reception unit 26 described later.

[0021] Based on the received votes, the control unit 4 controls the progress of the game. For example, the control unit 4 controls the game conditions at a predetermined time in the game. The game conditions at a predetermined time in the progress of the game include, for example, the conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of a battle between players), the conditions at the timing of the start of an event during the game (when the event starts), and the like. Further, as an example of controlling such game conditions, it includes arranging game objects determined by voting on the game field at the start of the game (at the start of the battle). The control unit 4 may, for example, control a game object or a game character determined by voting to be available for the player, or may make the game character determined by voting fight as an enemy character of the player. An example of the control unit 4 is the game environment control unit 23 described later.

[0022] By configuring in this way, viewers who watch the distribution video of the game played by a plurality of players can intervene in the game.

[0023] The display control unit 25 causes the first terminal that displays the first video associated with the first player to display the first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first player among the plurality of voting targets in a first mode, and to display a third voting target different from the first voting target in a second mode.

[0024] The first voting target is, for example, the voting target that has received a designation operation from the first player among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The control unit 4 receives a designation operation for an arbitrary voting target from the first player among the plurality of voting targets, and specifies the designated voting target as the first voting target. The first player can, for example, designate some of the plurality of voting targets within a range up to a predetermined upper limit number. The first player can, for example, designate the voting target corresponding to the game object that the player wants to use in the game.

[0025] The first voting target may be, for example, a voting target specified based on the information of the first user. For example, the first voting target may be specified based on the player group to which the first user belongs, or the player rank or level of the first user. For example, the voting target set in association with the player group to which the first user belongs may be specified as the first voting target. For example, when the player rank of the first user is equal to or higher than (or equal to or lower than) a predetermined value, a predetermined voting target may be specified as the first voting target. Also, the information of the first user may include information regarding the play history of the first user.

[0026] The first voting target may be, for example, a voting target specified based on the play history of the first player among a plurality of voting targets displayed on the first terminal. For example, the voting target specified by the first player in a past predetermined period (for example, one week before the current time) may be specified as the first voting target. Also, among the plurality of voting targets, the voting target for which the number of times specified by the first player in the past predetermined period is relatively large may be specified as the first voting target. Also, the first voting target may be specified based on the game object or game character that the first player has used in the past or currently. Also, the first voting target may be specified based on the play result (for example, win or loss) of the first player's past game. For example, based on the parameters (attributes or available skills, etc.) of the player character selected as the character used for game play by the first player, an object that is compatible with (enhances the play effect of) the player character may be specified as the first voting target. Also, for example, the object that the first player selected as the object (weapon) used for game play in the past and as a result achieved good results (the number of victories over other players is relatively large compared to other objects) in that game play may be specified as the first voting target.

[0027] The third voting target is at least one voting target different from the first voting target among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The third voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the first voting target among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the first terminal. The third voting target may be, for example, all voting targets excluding the first voting target and the second voting target among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the first terminal.

[0028] In addition, the display control unit 25 causes the second terminal that displays the second video associated with the second player to display the second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second player among the plurality of voting targets in the first mode, and displays the fourth voting target different from the second voting target in the second mode.

[0029] The second voting target is, for example, the voting target that has received a designation operation from the second player among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the second terminal. The control unit 4 receives a designation operation for any voting target from the second player among the plurality of voting targets, and specifies the designated voting target as the second voting target. The second player can, for example, designate some of the plurality of voting targets within a range up to a predetermined upper limit number. The second player can, for example, designate the voting target corresponding to the game object that the second player wants to use in the game.

[0030] The second voting target may be, for example, the voting target specified based on the information of the second user. For example, the second voting target may be specified based on the player group to which the second user belongs, the player rank or level of the second user. For example, the voting target set in association with the player group to which the second user belongs may be specified as the second voting target. For example, when the player rank of the second user is equal to or higher than (or equal to or lower than) a predetermined value, a predetermined voting target may be specified as the second voting target. In addition, the information of the second user may include information regarding the play history of the second user.

[0031] The second voting target may be, for example, a voting target specified based on the play history of the second player among a plurality of voting targets displayed on the second terminal. For example, a voting target designated by the second player in a past predetermined period (for example, one week before the current time) may be specified as the second voting target. Also, among the plurality of voting targets, a voting target with a relatively large number of times designated by the second player in a past predetermined period may be specified as the second voting target. Further, the second voting target may be specified based on a game object or game character that the second player has used in the past or currently. Additionally, the second voting target may be specified based on the past game play results (such as wins and losses) of the second player. For example, based on the parameters (attributes or usable skills, etc.) of the player character selected as the character used by the second player for game play, an object that is compatible with (enhances the play effect of) the player character may be specified as the second voting target. Also, for example, an object that the second player selected as an object (weapon) used for game play in the past and achieved good results in that game play (the number of victories over other players is relatively large compared to other objects) may be specified as the second voting target.

[0032] The fourth voting target is at least one voting target different from the second voting target among the plurality of voting targets displayed on the second terminal. The fourth voting target may be, for example, all of the voting targets displayed on the second terminal excluding the second voting target. The fourth voting target may be, for example, all of the voting targets displayed on the second terminal excluding the first voting target and the second voting target.

[0033] The first mode and the second mode are different display modes. For example, by displaying the first voting target (the second voting target) in the first mode and the third voting target (the fourth voting target) in the second mode, it is possible to display each voting target in a distinguishable manner. The first mode and the second mode may differ in the characters for displaying the voting target, the color or blinking state of the symbol, the mark displayed together with the voting target, etc. The display in the first mode is, for example, an emphasized display such as blinking the characters or symbols indicating the voting target or surrounding them with a thick frame. The display in the first mode may be, for example, a display indicating that the voting target is associated with a player linked to a player associated with the video being displayed on the viewing terminal. For example, on the first terminal where the video of the first player is played, the first voting target associated with the first player is displayed in the first mode, and on the second terminal where the video of the second player is played, the second voting target associated with the second player is displayed in the first mode. The display control unit 25 indicates, as the first mode, that the voting target is associated with the player by, for example, attaching the name of the player associated with the voting target or the color or mark representing the player to the voting target. The display in the second mode is, for example, a normal display that does not perform an emphasized display or a display associated with a specific player. That is, the voting target displayed in the first mode is displayed on the terminal so as to be more emphasized than the voting target displayed in the second mode. The display control unit 25 emphasizes a specific voting target over other voting targets and displays it on the viewer terminal by varying the display mode of the characters or symbols of the voting target. In this embodiment, an example in which the first mode is an emphasized display and the second mode is a normal display will be described. However, the first mode may be a normal display and the second mode may be an emphasized display, or the first mode may be a first emphasized display and the second mode may be a second emphasized display different from the first emphasized display.

[0034] By configuring in this way, for each viewing terminal, in order to display the voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the player associated with the video being displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, it is possible to provide information for reference in voting to the users of each viewing terminal.

[0035] The display control unit 25 may cause the first terminal to display the second voting target among the plurality of voting targets in the third mode. Further, the display control unit 25 may cause the second terminal to display the first voting target among the plurality of voting targets in the third mode. The third mode is a display mode different from both the first mode and the second mode. For example, by displaying the first voting target (second voting target) in the first mode and the second voting target (first voting target) in the third mode, it is possible to display each voting target in a distinguishable manner. Also, by displaying the third voting target (fourth voting target) in the second mode and the second voting target (first voting target) in the third mode, it is possible to display each voting target in a distinguishable manner. The display in the third mode is, for example, a display indicating that the voting target is associated with a player different from the player associated with the video being displayed on the viewing terminal. For example, on the first terminal where the video of the first player is played, the second voting target associated with the second player is displayed in the third mode, and on the second terminal where the video of the second player is played, the first voting target associated with the first player is displayed in the third mode. The display control unit 25 indicates that the voting target is associated with the player by, for example, attaching the name of the player associated with the voting target, or the color or mark representing the player, to the voting target as the third mode. Specifically, the display control unit 25 may display the voting targets designated by each of the players different from the first player in the first video in different modes for each player. Thereby, for the viewer, it becomes easier to distinguish the voting target associated with the player being viewed, the voting target associated with the player who is the opponent of the player being viewed, and other voting targets, and it can be used as a reference when selecting the voting destination.

[0036] The control unit 4 may arrange the objects corresponding to one or more voting targets with a large number of votes in the game space at a ratio corresponding to the number of votes of each of the one or more voting targets. For example, when the ratio of the number of votes for the top three is object A: 60%, object B: 30%, and object C: 10%, it may be arranged to place 6 objects of object A, 3 objects of object B, and 1 object of object C on the game field.

[0037] By configuring in this way, since the influence according to the number of votes of the viewers is reflected in the game (dead votes that are not reflected in the game can be reduced), it is expected to stimulate the voting desire of the viewers and promote the voting behavior.

[0038] The reception unit 3 may permit voting on the viewing terminal every time a video is continuously played on the viewing terminal for a predetermined time.

[0039] By configuring in this way, since it is necessary for the viewer to watch the video for a predetermined time in order to vote, it is expected to enhance the viewing desire of the viewer for the distributed video and contribute to increasing the viewing time.

[0040] The reception unit 3 may receive votes for the voting target in one or both of the first video and the second video from any of the viewing terminals for the same voteable period. Further, the control unit 4 may cause any of the viewing terminals to display the voting status for a specific voting target in the first video and not display the voting status for a specific voting target in the second video.

[0041] By configuring in this way, the viewer can switch the screen as to which player's viewing screen to view, and can vote for each player via each switched player-side viewing screen. Also, the viewer may be able to confirm only the voting status of any player side to support, and not be able to confirm the voting status of other player sides.

[0042] The control unit 4 may prohibit the posting of information regarding the second video for a second predetermined time to the viewing terminal that has played the first video for a first predetermined time (for example, the time until the voteable period ends, etc.).

[0043] By configuring in this way, for example, it is possible to prevent a viewer who has watched the strategy of the first player from posting information that reveals the strategy on the second player-side viewing screen and affecting the votes of other viewers.

[0044] The plurality of voting targets include a first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first player and a second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second player. The control unit 4 controls the game conditions by reflecting one of the first voting target and the second voting target based on the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target. Here, the voting target that has received a specified operation from the player may be, for example, a voting target arbitrarily selected by the player from among the pre-determined voting targets, or a new voting target arbitrarily selected and added from the objects owned by the player in addition to the pre-determined voting targets.

[0045] With this configuration, the player may specify a voting target (object) that the player desires. Also, only the voting target with the larger number of votes among the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target may be reflected in the game. By reflecting only one of the voting destinations in the game, for example, a voting battle can be generated in which viewers who support each player compete in the number of votes, so that the interest of the voting behavior can be enhanced and the voting desire of the viewers can be improved.

[0046] The control unit 4 may decrease the number of votes for the first voting target in response to an operation of selecting the first voting target received from the viewing terminal.

[0047] With this configuration, for example, a viewer who supports the opponent player of the first player can interfere so that the object specified by the first player is not selected, that is, the viewer can intervene in the game, so that the viewer's desire to watch the game can be improved.

[0048] The plurality of voting targets may include a first voting target designated by the first player and a second voting target designated by the second player. At this time, the control unit 4 may control the weighting of the votes for each of the first voting target and the second voting target according to the difference between the parameters of the first player and the parameters of the second player, and reflect it in the voting result. The parameters related to the player may be, for example, the attack power, defense power, stamina, HP, popularity rank, etc. of the player character, or may be information related to the popularity and skills of the player himself or the strength rank information about the player. For the weighting, for example, the greater the parameter difference, the more preferential the vote for the player with the smaller parameter value may be. Specifically, when the parameter difference exceeds a first threshold value, the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M = 2, 3, 4, ···).

[0049] By configuring in this way, when there are differences in skills, abilities, etc. among players, by setting a handicap to adjust the difference, even a weak player can play on an equal footing with a strong player, so it is possible to prevent players from leaving the game. In addition, since the door can be opened wider, it is possible to encourage the participation of players with little experience.

[0050] For viewers who satisfy a predetermined condition for voting on the first video, the control unit 4 may grant a privilege related to the first player, and give preferential treatment to the votes from viewers whose privilege holdings are equal to or more than a predetermined value compared to the votes from viewers whose privilege holdings are less than the predetermined value, and perform vote weighting. Here, the preferential treatment may be, for example, weighting the count number of the votes from the viewer to be a predetermined multiple (for example, 2 times, 3 times, etc.). Also, for example, when a predetermined video viewing time is required until the acquisition of the voting right, the video viewing time until the acquisition of the voting right may be reduced to 1 / 2, 1 / 3, etc. Also, for example, when the maximum number of votes that can be cast per viewer is regulated, the maximum number of votes that can be cast may be made a predetermined multiple (for example, 2 times, 3 times, etc.).

[0051] By configuring in this way, it is possible to give privileges regarding the destination player of the vote (for example, the player that the viewer is supporting) to the voting viewers, and to give preferential treatment to the votes of those viewers according to the accumulated amount of privileges held, so that the viewers can be continuously made to vote and the departure of the viewers can be prevented.

[0052] The reception unit 3 may receive a first vote for determining the type of object corresponding to the voting target, and a second vote for determining the timing of arranging the object of the type determined in the first vote in the game space. As an example of the timing of arranging the object in the game space, when the accumulated damage of the player character on the cheering side exceeds a predetermined value, a recovery object or an object specialized in attack power may be arranged.

[0053] By configuring in this way, since the timing of arranging the object in addition to the type of object is also determined by the vote from the viewer, the degree of intervention of the viewer in the game can be increased. Depending on the timing of arranging the object, it has a great influence on the battle situation, the battle becomes a free-for-all and becomes more interesting, leading to stimulating the interest of the viewer.

[0054] The control unit 4 may arrange the object corresponding to the voting target in a manner based on an instruction from the viewing terminal determined based on the number of votes for the object. For example, based on an instruction from the viewer who voted the most for the object, the position on the game space where the object is arranged and the timing of the arrangement may be determined.

[0055] By configuring in this way, since the votes of viewers with a large number of votes have a great influence on the game, the voting intention of the viewers can be promoted.

[0056] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the network configuration of the game play video distribution system according to the present embodiment. The game play video distribution system 11 includes one or more terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "viewer terminals") 12, a server device (hereinafter referred to as "server") 15, one or more terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as "player terminals") 16, and a communication network 17. The viewer terminals 12, the server 15, and the player terminals 16 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via the communication network 17.

[0057] The player terminal 16 is a terminal device operated by a player who plays the game program according to the present embodiment. The player terminal 16 is an electronic terminal device having a communication function connectable to a communication network such as, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.

[0058] The player terminal 16 is installed with a web browser for browsing information on the Internet. The web browser is software for connecting to a web server and has functions such as displaying a web page and following a hyperlink. The player terminal 16 can display an image generated by the server 15 via the web browser.

[0059] Hereinafter, the player terminal 16 used by the first player is referred to as player terminal 16a. Also, the player terminal 16 used by the second player is referred to as player terminal 16b.

[0060] The viewer terminal 12 is a portable electronic terminal device having a communication function connectable to a communication network such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The viewer terminal 12 includes an operation display unit 13, a microphone for inputting sound, a speaker for outputting sound, and the like. The operation display unit 13 is a device capable of inputting an operation to the screen 14 and displaying an image on the screen 14, and is, for example, a touch panel display. Note that the viewer terminal 12 may be a so-called personal computer. A web browser for browsing information on the Internet is installed in the viewer terminal 12.

[0061] Hereinafter, the viewer terminal 12 used by the first viewer is referred to as the viewer terminal 12a, and the operation display unit 13 and the screen 14 of the viewer terminal 12a are referred to as the operation display unit 13a and the screen 14a, respectively. Also, the viewer terminal 12 used by the second viewer is referred to as the viewer terminal 12b, and the operation display unit 13 and the screen 14 of the viewer terminal 12b are referred to as the operation display unit 13b and the screen 14b, respectively.

[0062] The server 15 is an information processing device that manages the distribution of the video of the play environment and play status of the game program according to this embodiment, and the voting received from the viewers. For example, the server 15 manages information about players who use the game program (for example, play content, status information of the characters being played, point information, etc.), and manages information related to billing. Also, the server 15 manages the screen display control during the battle play between players, calculates and manages the damage of the characters (player characters) operated by each player. Further, the server 15 solicits voting candidates from the viewers, selects some from the received voting candidates, accepts from which of the selected voting targets to vote, and controls the game conditions according to the result of the received vote. Also, the server 15 distributes the video of the screen where player characters battle each other to the viewer terminal 12.

[0063] The server 15 may be a server system composed of one or more physical information processing devices, or may be a virtual server system composed of one or more virtual server devices.

[0064] Here, an outline of an example of the game in this embodiment will be described. The player operates the player terminal 16, accesses the game according to this embodiment using a web browser, and starts the game. The player can live-distribute the game screen that the player plays at an arbitrary timing via a video distribution service.

[0065] Next, the process until a battle with other players or the like is explained. First, each player can, for example, select equipment for the player character, check the equipment and status, invite other player characters such as ally player characters, organize the members of a group to form a group, select an opponent group, select a battle stage, etc. on a screen prior to the screen for actual battle play (for example, a lobby screen). The organization of the members of a group includes joining a group, leaving a group, etc. By selecting an opponent group, players who complete matching and participate in the battle (for example, 3 people × 4 teams) are gathered. If the number of participants does not reach the full capacity, the shortage may be supplemented with non-player characters (NPCs).

[0066] Next, each player sets the player character they will operate, objects to be brought into the battle stage, etc. As a result, the design of the appearance of the player character, etc. is determined.

[0067] Next, after the player selects a battle stage, since a predetermined voting time is set, the server 15 accepts votes from viewers regarding objects that they hope to supply to the players they support during that period. At this time, the viewers can vote while considering the characteristics and compatibility of each player character. Also, depending on the settings, the viewers may be able to vote any number of times. The player is affected by the voting results depending on the characteristics of their own player character, play style, or compatibility with the stage.

[0068] Next, the battle is explained. When the battle starts, each player can obtain the available objects placed on the game field and equip them. The objects placed on the game field also include the objects determined by the voting results. Each player can obtain the object determined by the voting results for their own player character and use it as a weapon to attack.

[0069] Here, the voting system in this embodiment will be described. As an example, the voting is for determining what objects to place in the field at the start of the game. For example, the voting may be done by posting in the comment input field of a video distribution service.

[0070] The server 15 randomly selects N types of objects (where N is a positive integer) from more than N types of objects and displays them on the game screen. The viewers consider which of these N types of objects to vote for. The server 15 receives, via the comment input field of the video distribution service, the name of the object that the viewer wants to place in the field. When the viewer enters text in the comment field and the server recognizes a predetermined string corresponding to the object name, it counts as one vote. In principle, a viewer may be allowed to vote any number of times.

[0071] The server 15 tabulates the voting results, ranks the objects according to the number of votes obtained for each object, and places the top K types of objects (where K is a positive integer and K < N) at random positions on the game field. For example, let K = 3.

[0072] At this time, the number of objects placed may also reflect the ratio of the number of votes obtained. For example, consider the case where object A has 60 votes, object B has 30 votes, object C has 10 votes, object D has 5 votes, object E has 5 votes, and other objects have 0 votes. In this case, objects A (60%), B (30%), and C (10%), which are in the top three in terms of the vote percentage, are placed, and D, E, and other objects are not placed.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the game play video distribution system 11 in this embodiment. The server 15 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 28, and a communication unit 29. The communication unit 29 is an interface that enables communication with devices connected to the communication network 17. Here, the communication unit 29 communicates with the viewer terminals 12 (12a, 12b, ···) and the player terminals 16 (16a, 16b, ···) via the communication network 17.

[0074] The control unit 21 is an arithmetic unit (processor) that controls the operation of the entire server 15. The control unit 21 executes processing in response to requests from the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16, respectively, and returns the execution results to the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 21 authenticates the player who plays the game, shares the screen information used among players in the case of multiplayer play, manages the play content, performs charge management, manages the voting from viewers, distributes the video of the game screen to the viewer terminal 12, and performs other controls.

[0075] By executing the program according to the present embodiment, the control unit 21 functions as the player-side control unit 22 and the viewer-side control unit 24. The player-side control unit 22 controls the interface for the player and the overall game, such as processing of input / output on the player side, display control of the game screen, control of the music to be output, and control of the game operation during the battle.

[0076] The player-side control unit 22 includes a game environment control unit 23. The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions at a predetermined point in the progress of the game according to the vote of the viewer who watches the game video, for example. The game conditions at a predetermined point in the progress of the game include, for example, the conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of the battle between players), the timing of the start of an event during the game (at the start of the event), and the like. Further, as an example of controlling such game conditions, it includes arranging an object or the like on the game field at the start of the game (at the start of the battle).

[0077] Further, the game environment control unit 23 may arrange the object corresponding to the voting target in a manner based on the instruction from the viewer terminal determined based on the number of votes for the object. For example, the arrangement and timing of the arrangement of the object may be determined based on the instruction from the viewer who voted the most for the object.

[0078] The viewer-side control unit 24 performs processes such as distributing the game screen to the viewer, accepting votes from the viewer, aggregating the accepted votes, and determining the voting result according to the aggregation result. The viewer-side control unit 24 includes a display control unit 25, a reception unit 26, and a voting processing unit 27.

[0079] The display control unit 25 controls the application program of the video distribution service to display the distribution screen on the viewer terminal 12 via the web browser, control the voting target display area and comment input field provided on the distribution screen, and control the distribution of the video of the game screen.

[0080] The reception unit 26 accepts votes from the viewer terminal 12. Note that the reception unit 3 may permit voting on the viewer terminal 12 each time the video is continuously played for a predetermined time. Further, the reception unit 26 may not accept, that is, prohibit, the posting of information on the second video for the viewer terminal 12 that has played the first video for a first predetermined time (for example, the time until the voting period ends) for a second predetermined time.

[0081] The voting processing unit 27 aggregates the accepted votes to determine the result of the vote, weights the vote, etc. Further, the voting processing unit 27 may decrease the number of votes for the first voting target in response to an operation of selecting the first voting target received from the viewer terminal 12 so that the object designated by the strong player is not selected.

[0082] In addition, the voting processing unit 27 may grant a privilege regarding the first player to a viewer who satisfies a predetermined condition for voting on the first video, and give preferential treatment to the vote from a viewer whose privilege possession amount is equal to or more than a predetermined value compared to the vote from a viewer whose privilege possession amount is less than the predetermined value, and perform vote weighting.

[0083] The storage unit 28 stores programs according to the present embodiment (including game programs, video distribution service programs, application program interfaces (APIs), etc.), operating systems (OSs), and other programs. The storage unit 28 also stores game element data, various other data, etc. As game element data, for example, player information, player character setting information, player character parameter information, viewer parameter information, background data, object data, item data, effect data, acoustic data, etc. are stored. Here, the data includes not only status information and character data but also graphical data.

[0084] The player information includes the account information, charging information, etc. of each player. The player character setting information includes information regarding the player character selected by the player, information regarding objects (weapons, armors, etc.) to be equipped on the player character, etc. The player character parameter information includes, for example, parameters such as the attack power, defense power, and stamina of the player character. The viewer parameter information includes the viewing time, viewing frequency, voting frequency, etc. for each viewer.

[0085] The background data includes, for example, data regarding the background of the game stage such as the game field. The object data includes object data such as player character objects, connection objects, and other objects. When a player character acquires an object during the game, the attack power, defense power, or stamina of the player character temporarily or permanently increases, or the parameters of a predetermined status increase. The objects include, for example, objects for armament, recovery items for recovering the stamina parameter, parameter enhancement items for temporarily or constantly improving the attack power, defense power, etc.

[0086] Effect data is, for example, production images related to attacks when knocking back enemy player objects, data related to combination techniques, etc. Acoustic data is data related to music flowing during gameplay and sound effects used in various scenes.

[0087] Figure 4 is an example of a viewing screen when accepting votes displayed on the viewer terminal in this embodiment. Figure 4(A) is an example of a support player selection screen for selecting a player to support. The viewer accesses a predetermined website via the web browser installed on the viewer terminal, selects and accesses a channel in which a predetermined player hosts and distributes a game video from that website, and then the support player selection screen 31 in Figure 4(A) is displayed. Here, for example, it is assumed that the first player has opened the channel as the host.

[0088] On the support player selection screen 31, player selection buttons 32 corresponding to each player (first player selection button 32a, second player selection button 32b, ···) are provided. When any of the player selection buttons 32 is pressed, on subsequent screens, it is possible to vote for the object to be provided to the player corresponding to the selected player selection button 32. That is, the player selection button 32 selects the player to support and allows viewing of the game screen from that player's side. In the case of Figure 4(A), when the viewer wants to support the first player, the first player selection button 32a is pressed, and when the viewer wants to support the second player, the second player selection button 32b is pressed. In this example, two players are distributing, but three or more players may be distributing, and the corresponding selection buttons 32 may be displayed on the support player selection screen 31 according to the number of players. Also, the player selection button 32 may be displayed on a specific player-side viewing screen as shown in Figure 4(B) or Figure 5.

[0089] FIG. 4(B) is an example of the first player's viewing screen when voting for an object to be placed on the game field. In FIG. 4(A), when any one of the player selection buttons 32 is pressed, the player's viewing screen corresponding to that player selection button 32 is displayed. In FIG. 4(A), for example, when the first player selection button 32a is pressed, the first player's viewing screen 41 is displayed, and when the second player selection button 32b is pressed, the second player's viewing screen is displayed.

[0090] The first player's viewing screen 41 includes a selected player viewing screen label display section 42, a comment column 43, a message display section 48, and a candidate object display column 49. The selected player viewing screen label display section 42 is a label display for determining which player has been selected. In the message display section 48, as an example, a message saying "Please select and vote for the object you want to place on the field from the following objects." is displayed. In the candidate object display column 49, for example, N (e.g., N = 25) objects are randomly selected and displayed.

[0091] The comment column 43 includes a viewer identification label 44, a post display section 45, a post input column 46, and a post button 47. The viewer identification label 44 is, for example, in FIG. 4(A), a label (e.g., an icon image) for identifying the viewer who pressed the first player selection button 32a. The post display section 45 displays the post content of the viewer identified by the viewer identification label 44. The post input column 46 allows the content to be posted to be entered in text. The post button 47 can post the content entered in the post input column 46 and display it in the post display section 45.

[0092] Each viewer selects an object (the voting target) to be placed in the field from the candidate object display column 49 according to the message displayed on the message display unit 48, enters the character (text) corresponding to the selected voting target in the posting input column 46, and presses the posting input column 46. When text is entered in the posting input column 46, if a predetermined character string is recognized, the corresponding object is specified and counted as one vote for that object. The acceptance of votes for the desired object (voting target) is performed for a predetermined time. The first player side viewing screen 41 may include a voting status display unit indicating the current voting status on the first player side (such as how many votes each object has received).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 4(A), depending on which player selection button 32 is pressed, the viewer can switch the screen to view on the viewing screen of either player side, and can vote for each player via the switched viewing screen of each player side.

[0094] Note that the viewer may be able to view only the viewing screen of one of the players to support, and by making it impossible to view the viewing screens of other players, it may be made impossible to check the voting status for other players. Also, although the viewer can freely switch which player side viewing screen to view, it may be made possible to view only the vote count status (such as how many votes each object has received) on the side of one player (the player to support).

[0095] Also, the viewing terminal that has played the first player side viewing screen for a predetermined time (for example, the time until the voting period ends) may be configured to prohibit posting on the second player side viewing screen for a predetermined time. At this time, the viewing terminal that has played the first player side viewing screen for a predetermined time may be configured such that the second player selection button 32b cannot be pressed for a predetermined time in FIG. 4(A).

[0096] FIG. 5(A) is another example of the first player's viewing screen when voting for an object to be placed on the game field. In this example, since the first player designates a car object, the car object is specified as the first voting target. Also, since the second player designates a tree object, the tree object is specified as the second voting target. The display control unit 25 emphasizes the display of the car object by making the frame line of the car object thicker than the frame lines of other objects on the first player's viewing screen 41. Further, the display control unit 25 indicates that the car object is the voting target designated by the first player by displaying the symbol "α" as a mark representing the first player near the car object on the first player's viewing screen 41. Such a display mode is an example of the first mode. Also, the display control unit 25 indicates that the tree object is the voting target designated by the second player by displaying the symbol "β" as a mark representing the second player near the tree object on the first player's viewing screen 41. Such a display mode is an example of the third mode. Thereby, the first voting target, the second voting target, and other voting targets are displayed in a distinguishable manner to the user viewing the first player's viewing screen.

[0097] FIG. 5(B) is an example of the second player's viewing screen. The display control unit 25 emphasizes the tree object by displaying the frame line of the tree object thicker than the frame lines of other objects on the second player's viewing screen. Also, the display control unit 25 causes a symbol "β" to be displayed as a mark representing the second player near the tree object on the second player's viewing screen, thereby indicating that the tree object is the voting target designated for the second player. Such a display mode is an example of the first mode. Further, the display control unit 25 causes a symbol "α" to be displayed as a mark representing the first player near the automobile object on the second player's viewing screen, thereby indicating that the automobile object is the voting target designated for the first player. Such a display mode is an example of the third mode. Thereby, the first voting target, the second voting target, and other voting targets are displayed in a distinguishable manner to the user viewing the second player's viewing screen.

[0098] FIG. 6 is an example of the selection player's viewing screen at the start of the game in the present embodiment. In FIG. 4(B), after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first player's viewing screen 41 of FIG. 6 is displayed. The first player's viewing screen 41 of FIG. 6 includes a selection player's viewing screen label display unit 42, a comment column 43, and a distribution video display unit 61. Since those other than the distribution video display unit 61 are the same as those described in FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] The video distributed in the distribution video display unit 61 includes at least the game screen that the player who is the distributor is watching to play the game. In the example of FIG. 6, the game screen at the start of the game is displayed on the distribution video display unit 61. For example, on the game field 62, a first player character 63 operated by the first player and a second player character 64 operated by the second player are arranged. And, as a result of the voting received in FIG. 4(B), objects (automobile object 65, gas tank object 66, block object 67) up to the top K (for example, K = 3) with the largest number of votes are arranged.

[0100] Each player character can acquire any object placed on the game field 62 and use it in the battle. In the corresponding player-side selected player-side viewing screen, the object determined by voting may be acquired and used only by the player character of the corresponding player.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of the game play video distribution system in the present embodiment. Each player accesses the server 15 via the web browser installed on the player terminal 16, logs in to the game in the game play video distribution system 11, and makes an entry for the battle (S1). That is, each player invites other player characters such as ally player characters, organizes members to form a group, selects an opponent group, etc. on the lobby screen or the like via the web browser installed on the player terminal 16.

[0102] The server 15 (player-side control unit 22) matches the players who have made an entry for the battle (S2) and notifies each player terminal 16 that the opponent has been determined (S3).

[0103] Next, each player performs an operation for selecting his / her player character, selecting its equipment, and making other settings via the web browser installed on the player terminal 16 (S4).

[0104] The server 15 (player-side control unit 22) performs settings for the player character, its equipment, and other settings according to the operations in S4 from each player (S5). The server 15 (vote processing unit 27) starts accepting input of an object that the viewer wishes to place on the game field (S6). At this time, the server 15 (vote processing unit 27) notifies the player terminal 16 that it is waiting for a vote (S7).

[0105] On the one hand, the viewer accesses a website that provides the game play video distribution system 11 via the web browser installed on the viewer terminal 12 (S8).

[0106] The server 15 (display control unit 25) displays a list of competing player characters in a selectable format (S9). In the case of the present embodiment, as described on the supporter player selection screen 31 of FIG. 4(A), a list of competing player characters is displayed in the form of player selection buttons 32 (first player selection button 32a, second player selection button 32b,...).

[0107] The viewer selects and presses the player selection button 32 (for example, the first player selection button 32a) corresponding to the player (for example, the first player) that the viewer wants to support from among the plurality of player selection buttons 32 (S10).

[0108] The server 15 (display control unit 25) causes the viewer terminal 12 to display a first player side viewing screen 41 as shown in FIG. 4(B). At this time, the server 15 (display control unit 25) randomly selects N (for example, N = 25) (types) of objects from among, for example, more than N types of preset objects and displays them in the candidate object display column 49 (S11).

[0109] Each viewer selects an object to be placed in the field from the candidate object display column 49 according to the message displayed in the message display section 48. The viewer inputs the character (text) corresponding to the selected voting target into the posting input column 46 and presses the posting button 47 to cast a vote (S12). When text is input into the posting input column 46, if the reception unit 26 recognizes a predetermined character string, it identifies the corresponding object, and the voting processing unit 27 counts it as one vote for that object.

[0110] Server 15 (reception unit 26) accepts the submission (vote) of the above S15 from each viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined time elapses. After the predetermined time has elapsed, server 15 (vote processing unit 27) performs vote counting processing (S13). In S13, for example, server 15 (vote processing unit 27) totals the votes collected in the vote result S12. Server 15 (game environment control unit 23) controls the game conditions based on the totaled vote results.

[0111] Server 15 (game environment control unit 23) notifies the player terminal 16 of the game start (S14) and controls the operating environment during the play of the battle game. At the same time, server 15 (display control unit 25) distributes the video during the game play to the viewer terminal 12 (S15).

[0112] When the player receives the game start notification from server 15, the player operates player terminal 16 to play the battle game (S16). During this play, server 15 (display control unit 25) distributes the video during the game play.

[0113] Note that in S11, server 15 (display control unit 25) randomly selects N (for example, N = 25) objects (types) from more than N types of objects and displays them in the candidate object display column 49, but it is not limited to this. Server 15 (display control unit 25) may, for example, after transitioning the screen from the support player selection screen in Fig. 4(A) to the first player side viewing screen 41, accept from the viewer an object that the viewer wishes to place on the game field by means of a submission. Server 15 (reception unit 26) accepts such submissions from each viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined time elapses. After the predetermined time has elapsed, server 15 (display control unit 25) conducts a lottery among the objects solicited from the viewers, selects N (for example, N = 25) objects by means of this lottery, and may display the first player side viewing screen 41 as shown in Fig. 4(B) on the viewer terminal 12.

[0114] Next, an example regarding the variation of the vote counting process described in S13 will be described below.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote counting process (S13) in the first embodiment of the present embodiment. The reception unit 26 receives votes from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period elapses (NO in S21 and S22).

[0116] After the lapse of a predetermined time (YES in S22), the vote processing unit 27 ends the reception of votes (S23) and totals the vote results (S24). The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions based on the totaled vote results (S25). The game conditions at a predetermined point in the progress of the game include, for example, the conditions (initial conditions) at the start of the game (for example, at the start of a battle between players), the timing of the start of an event during the game (at the start of the event), and the like. The conditions are not limited to the conditions at the start of the battle. For example, they may be conditions in the early stage of the battle (until 1 / 3 of the battle time has elapsed), the middle stage (from when 1 / 3 of the battle time has elapsed to when 2 / 3 of the battle time has elapsed), the final stage (after 2 / 3 of the battle time has elapsed), and the like. The conditions may also be after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the battle, when a specific game event occurs, when the number of player characters (surviving characters) that have not become unable to battle due to the battle reaches a predetermined number, or when the parameters (HP, damage accumulation value, etc.) of a specific player character reach a predetermined value. Also, as an example of controlling such game conditions, it may include arranging objects or the like on the game field at the start of the game (at the start of the battle).

[0117] For example, in S24, the vote processing unit 27 determines the objects from the top Kth place in descending order of the number of votes obtained as a result of the tabulation. The game environment control unit 23 arranges the determined objects on the game field as described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote counting process (S13) in Example 2 of the present embodiment. In Example 2, an example will be described in which a player designates an object for which he / she wants the viewer to vote, the viewer votes for the designated object, and only the object designated by one of the players is reflected in the game according to the number of votes.

[0119] The game environment control unit 23 receives the name of the object designated by the player from the player terminal 16 (S31). The display control unit 25 sets the name of the object for which the designation operation has been received from the player as the voting target and causes it to be displayed on the viewer terminal 12 (S32). Here, receiving the name of the object designated by the player means that, for example, the player may select any one of the N objects (voting targets) displayed in the candidate object display column 49, or the player may select an object name not included in the N voting targets from the objects owned by the player and add it as a voting target. Hereinafter, the object designated by the first player as the voting target is referred to as the first voting target, and the object designated by the second player as the voting target is referred to as the second voting target.

[0120] Also, when the viewer is watching, for example, the first player-side viewing screen, the display control unit 25 may cause the first voting target designated by the first player to be displayed on the first viewing terminal in a manner different from other voting targets (the first manner), and cause the second voting target designated by the second player to be displayed on the second viewing terminal in a manner different from other voting targets (the first manner). The manner different from other voting targets may be, for example, in the first player-side viewing screen 41 shown in FIG. 4(B), changing the color of the first voting target designated by the first player, or highlighting it by surrounding the first voting target with a predetermined frame, etc. Or, the manner different from other voting targets may be, for example, in the first player-side viewing screen 41 shown in FIG. 4(B), the first voting target being selected by default, or an icon corresponding to the first voting target being displayed at the uppermost and rightmost or leftmost position. The same applies to the display manner of the second voting target on the second player-side viewing screen. By highlighting the voting target received from the first player on the first terminal and highlighting the voting target received from the second player as the second voting target on the second terminal, each player can make the object they want the viewer to vote for recognizable to the viewers of the player's video, and can provide information for reference in voting to the users of each viewing terminal.

[0121] Here, an example of displaying the voting target received from the first player as the first voting target and the voting target received from the second player as the second voting target on the first viewing terminal and the second viewing terminal has been described, but the first voting target and the second voting target may be specified by other methods. For example, the display control unit 25 may cause the voting target specified based on the information of each player to be displayed on the viewer terminal 12. Also, the display control unit 25 may cause the voting target specified based on the play history of each player to be displayed on the viewer terminal 12.

[0122] The display control unit 25 may display the first voting target in the first mode, the second voting target in the third mode, and the other voting targets in the second mode among the plurality of voting targets on the first player-side viewing screen 41. Similarly, the display control unit 25 may display the second voting target in the first mode, the first voting target in the third mode, and the other voting targets in the second mode among the plurality of voting targets on the second player-side viewing screen. Thereby, for the viewer, it becomes easier to distinguish the voting target associated with the player being viewed, the voting target associated with the player who is the opponent of the player being viewed, and the other voting targets, and it can be used as a reference when selecting the voting destination.

[0123] The reception unit 26 receives votes from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period elapses (NO in S33, S34).

[0124] After the elapse of the predetermined time (YES in S34), the vote processing unit 27 ends the reception of votes (S35) and totals the vote results (S36). The game environment control unit 23 reflects the voting target designated by either one of the players in the game based on the number of votes for the voting target designated by each player (S37). That is, in S37, the game environment control unit 23 can reflect only one of the voting targets in the game based on the number of votes for the object (first voting target) designated by the first player and the number of votes for the object (second voting target) designated by the second player. For example, when the number of votes for the object (first voting target) designated by the first player is 100 votes and the number of votes for the object (second voting target) designated by the second player is 50 votes, the game environment control unit 23 may arrange only the object of the first voting target in the game field.

[0125] Also, it may be configured such that the first voting target can be voted only from the first player-side viewing screen, and the second voting target can be voted only from the second player-side viewing screen.

[0126] In addition, the voting processing unit 27 may weight the votes from the viewers according to the information about the viewers (viewer rank information), and count the weighted number of votes. The information about the viewers includes, for example, the viewer rank information. The viewer rank information is, for example, evaluation information in which viewers with more viewing time, more viewing times, and / or more votes, etc. have a higher rank. For example, viewers with a viewing time of less than 1 hour on the viewing screen have rank information = 1, and viewers with a viewing time of 2 hours or more have rank information = 2. In this case, for the votes from viewers with a viewing time of 2 hours or more, weighting is performed so that the number of votes per vote is counted twice.

[0127] The voting processing unit 27 may aggregate the weighted voting results, and the game environment control unit 23 may reflect the aggregated results in the game. Thereby, votes from viewers with high rank information are more preferentially treated and can affect the game conditions, so the viewers' motivation to watch etc. to raise their rank is improved.

[0128] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote aggregation process (S13) in the third embodiment of this embodiment. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which a player designates an object for which he / she wants the viewer to vote, the viewer votes for the designated object, the votes weighted according to the parameter difference between the players are aggregated, and the result is reflected in the game.

[0129] The game environment control unit 23 receives the object name specified by the player from the player terminal 16 (S41). The display control unit 25 sets the object name received from the player as the voting target and causes it to be displayed on the viewer terminal 12 (S42). Here, receiving the object name specified by the player means that, for example, the player may select any one of the N objects (voting targets) displayed in the candidate object display column 49, or the player may select an object name not included in the N voting targets from the objects owned by the player and add it as a voting target. Hereinafter, the object designated by the first player as the voting target is referred to as the first voting target, and the object designated by the second player as the voting target is referred to as the second voting target.

[0130] The reception unit 26 receives votes from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period elapses (NO in S43, S44).

[0131] After the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S44), the voting processing unit 27 ends the reception of votes (S45). The game environment control unit 23 calculates parameters related to the player and calculates the parameter difference between the players (S46). The parameters related to the player may be, for example, the attack power, defense power, stamina, HP, popularity rank, etc. of the player character, or information related to the popularity of the player himself / herself, strength rank information about the player, etc.

[0132] The voting processing unit 27 weights the votes for the object designated by the player according to the parameter difference and totals the weighted votes (S47). For the weighting, for example, the votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be given preferential treatment as the parameter difference becomes larger. Specifically, when the parameter difference exceeds the first threshold value, the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M = 2, 3, 4,...).

[0133] At this time, the voting processing unit 27 may weight the votes for the object designated by the player according to the parameter ratio, and aggregate the weighted votes. For example, the greater the parameter ratio, the more preferential treatment may be given to the votes for the player with the smaller parameter value. The parameter ratio is, for example, the ratio of the parameter of the first player: the parameter of the second player is 1:2, 1:10, etc. When the ratio of the parameter of one player to the parameter of the other player is P (P is a positive integer) times or more, the number of votes for the player with the smaller parameter value may be multiplied by M (M = 2, 3, 4, ···).

[0134] The game environment control unit 23 reflects the voting target designated by either one of the players in the game based on the number of votes for the voting target designated by each player (S37). That is, in S37, the game environment control unit 23 can reflect only one of the voting targets in the game based on the number of votes for the object (the first voting target) designated by the first player and the number of votes after weighting for the object (the second voting target) designated by the second player. For example, when the number of votes for the object (the first voting target) designated by the first player is 100 votes and the number of votes for the object (the second voting target) designated by the second player is 50 votes, the game environment control unit 23 may arrange only the object of the first voting target in the game field.

[0135] Incidentally, the voting processing unit 27 may weight the votes from the first viewer terminal that voted from the first player side viewing screen and the votes from the second viewer terminal that voted from the second player side viewing screen according to the difference between the total number of votes cast from the first player side viewing screen and the total number of votes cast from the second player side viewing screen. For example, the voting processing unit 27 may give preferential treatment and weight only the voting target with the most votes in the viewing screen with the smaller total number of votes among the first player side viewing screen and the second player side viewing screen. Thereby, only the voting target with the most votes among the less popular player side viewing screens can be preferentially weighted. Further, the voting processing unit 27 may weight the votes for the voting target with the most votes in the viewing screen on the side of the player with fewer viewing times (i.e., the less popular player) among the first player and the second player.

[0136] Thereby, when there is a difference in popularity among players, by setting a handicap to adjust the difference, even a less popular player can play on an equal footing with a popular player, so that it is possible to prevent players from leaving the game. In addition, since the door can be opened wider, it is possible to encourage the participation of players with less popularity.

[0137] Incidentally, the voting processing unit 27 may determine the weighting to the number of votes in consideration of the result of the number of votes in the current voting, or may determine the weighting in advance before voting according to the past record of the number of votes in the viewing screen of each player.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote counting process (S13) in the fourth embodiment of the present embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the viewer terminal 12 receives a first vote for determining the type of object and a second vote for determining the timing of arranging the object of the type determined by the first vote.

[0139] The reception unit 26 receives, from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period elapses, a first vote for determining the type of object and a second vote for determining the timing of placing the object (NO in S51 and S52). The timing of the second vote may be, for example, the opening stage of the battle (until the battle time has elapsed by 1 / 3), the middle stage (from when the battle time has elapsed by 1 / 3 to when it has elapsed by 2 / 3), the end stage (after the battle time has elapsed by 2 / 3), etc., or after a predetermined time has elapsed, or when a specific game event occurs, or when there are a certain number of remaining players.

[0140] After a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S52), the vote processing unit 27 ends the acceptance of votes (S53) and totals the vote results for each of the first vote and the second vote. Based on the tabulation results, the vote processing unit 27 determines the object with the most votes for each of the first vote and the second vote, and the timing of placing the object (S54).

[0141] The game environment control unit 23 places the object determined in S54 at the determined timing (S55).

[0142] Note that in the second vote, instead of or together with the vote on timing, voting may be conducted on the position where the object is to be placed. For example, voting may be conducted on locations such as near the first player or on top of a specific stage object.

[0143] Also, the game environment control unit 23 may place the object determined by the vote in a manner (position or timing) based on an instruction from the viewer terminal (the viewer who voted the most for that object) determined based on the number of votes for that object. Thereby, since the votes of viewers with a large number of votes have a great influence on the game, the voting motivation of the viewers can be promoted.

[0144] In addition, the game environment control unit 23 may arrange objects corresponding to one or more voting targets with a large number of votes in the game space at a ratio according to the number of votes. For example, when the ratio of the number of votes for the top three is Object A: 60%, Object B: 30%, and Object C: 10%, six Object A, three Object B, and one Object C may be arranged on the game field. This can stimulate the voting desire of viewers and promote voting behavior.

[0145] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the vote counting process (S13) in Example 5 of the present embodiment. In Example 5, an example will be described in which a privilege regarding the player is given to a viewer who satisfies a predetermined condition for the vote from the selection player side viewing screen, and the vote is preferentially treated according to the possession amount of the privilege.

[0146] The reception unit 26 receives votes from the viewer terminal 12 until a predetermined period elapses (NO in S61 and S62).

[0147] After the elapse of the predetermined time (YES in S62), the vote processing unit 27 ends the reception of votes (S63).

[0148] Based on the vote information transmitted from the viewer, the vote processing unit 27 determines whether the viewer voted from which player side viewing screen (S64). The vote information transmitted from the viewer includes information specifying from which player side viewing screen the vote was cast to support which player. In this example, it is assumed that based on the vote information transmitted from the viewer, it is determined whether the viewer voted from the first player side viewing screen 41.

[0149] When it is determined that the viewer voted from the first player side viewing screen 41 (YES in S64), the vote processing unit 27 determines whether the possession amount of the privilege possessed by the viewer is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S65). Here, the privilege is assumed to be points, but it is not limited thereto, and may be an item that can be used in a predetermined game, or a coupon that can be exchanged for a product or the like.

[0150] If the quantity of privileges held by the viewer is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (YES in S65), the voting processing unit 27 performs preferential treatment for the viewer (S66). Preferential treatment may be, for example, weighting the number of votes counted from the viewer to be a predetermined multiple (for example, 2 times, 3 times, etc.). Also, for example, when a predetermined video viewing time is required until the acquisition of voting rights, the video viewing time until the acquisition of the voting rights may be reduced to 1 / 2, 1 / 3, etc. Also, for example, when the maximum number of votes that can be cast per viewer is restricted, the maximum number of votes that can be cast may be set to a predetermined multiple (for example, 2 times, 3 times, etc.).

[0151] If it is determined that the viewer did not vote from the first player side viewing screen 41 (NO in S64), if the quantity of privileges held by the viewer is less than the predetermined value (NO in S65), or after the process of S66, the voting processing unit 27 grants a predetermined number of points as a privilege to the viewer (S67). S64 to S67 are repeated for each voting unit.

[0152] Thereafter, the voting processing unit 27 totals the voting results (S68). The game environment control unit 23 controls the game conditions based on the totaled voting results (S69).

[0153] In the embodiments described above, votes that add the number of votes are accepted. As a modification, votes that subtract the number of votes may be accepted. For example, on the player-side viewing screen 41, a "vote up button" for switching to a mode of accepting votes that add the number of votes and a "vote down button" for accepting votes that subtract the number of votes may be provided. When the "vote up button" is pressed, if a vote is cast for the object selected from the candidate object display column 49 as described in S12 of FIG. 7, it is counted as one vote for that object. When the "vote down button" is pressed, if a vote is cast for the object selected from the candidate object display column 49 as described in S12 of FIG. 7, one vote can be subtracted from the current number of votes for that object. In this way, based on the operation of selecting the second voting target from the viewer terminal 12, the number of votes for the second voting target may be decreased. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the object designated by a strong player from being selected.

[0154] FIG. 13 is an example of a configuration block diagram of the hardware environment of a computer that executes the program in the present embodiment. The computer 81 functions as the viewer terminal 12, the player terminal 16, or the server 15. The computer 81 is composed of a CPU 82, a ROM 83, a RAM 84, a storage device 85, an input I / F 86, an output I / F 87, a communication I / F 88, a reading device 89, and a bus 90.

[0155] Here, the CPU represents a central processing unit. The ROM represents a read-only memory. The RAM represents a random access memory. The I / F represents an interface. The bus 90 is connected to the CPU 82, the ROM 83, the RAM 84, the storage device 85, the input I / F 86, the output I / F 87, the communication I / F 88, and the reading device 89 as needed.

[0156] The CPU 82 reads the program according to this embodiment from the storage device 85 and executes the program as a player-side control unit (game environment control unit 23) and a viewer-side control unit 24 (display control unit 25, reception unit 26, voting processing unit 27). The ROM 83 indicates a read-only memory. The RAM 84 is a memory for temporary storage.

[0157] The storage device 85 is a device for storing a large amount of information. As the storage device 85, various types of storage devices such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory card can be used. The storage device 85 stores the program according to the embodiment of the present invention and various data.

[0158] The input I / F 86 can be connected to input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, an electronic camera, a web camera, a microphone, a scanner, a sensor, a tablet, a touch panel display, and an information reading device. Also, the output I / F 87 can be connected to output devices such as a display, a touch panel display, a projector, a printer, and a speaker.

[0159] The communication I / F 88 is an interface such as a port for connecting to a communication network and communicating with other devices. The communication network may be a communication network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a dedicated line, wired, or wireless. The reading device 89 is a device for reading a portable recording medium.

[0160] The program that realizes the processing described in the above embodiment may be stored in, for example, the storage device 85 via the communication network and the communication I / F88 from the program provider side. Also, the program that realizes the processing described in the above embodiment may be stored in a commercially available and distributed portable storage medium. In this case, this portable storage medium may be set in the reading device 89, and the program may be read and executed by the CPU82. As the portable storage medium, various types of storage media such as CD-ROM, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, IC card, USB memory device, and semiconductor memory card can be used. The program stored in such a storage medium is read by the reading device 89.

[0161] Also, the program may be installed in a stand-alone type computer, or may be installed by a cloud computer and only the functions may be provided to the player. Further, in the present embodiment, the Web browser installed in the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16 is used to access the server 15 and control the game play video distribution system according to the present embodiment operated on the server 15 side, but it is not limited thereto. For example, an application program capable of communicating with the server 15 may be installed in the viewer terminal 12 and the player terminal 16 to control the game play video distribution system in the present embodiment.

[0162] As described above, the present aspect has been described based on the embodiment and the modification example. However, the embodiments of the above-described aspects are for facilitating the understanding of the present aspect and do not limit the present aspect. The present aspect can be changed and improved without departing from its spirit and the scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present aspect. Also, if its technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0163] The main features of the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program according to the present embodiment described above are appended below. (Appended Note 1) The information processing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a display control unit that causes a terminal to display a video related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate, a reception unit that receives votes from a plurality of terminals for at least one of the plurality of voting targets, and a control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. The display control unit causes the first terminal that displays the first video associated with the first user to display, in a first mode, a first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first user among the plurality of voting targets, and to display, in a second mode, a third voting target different from the first voting target; and causes the second terminal that displays the second video associated with the second user to display, in a first mode, a second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second user among the plurality of voting targets, and to display, in a second mode, a fourth voting target different from the second voting target. According to the information processing apparatus described above, for each viewing terminal, a voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the user associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, so that information that can be used as a reference for voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal. (Appendix 2) In the information processing apparatus described above, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display, in a first mode, a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from the first user among the plurality of voting targets, and causes the second terminal to display, in a first mode, a voting target for which a designation operation has been received from the second user among the plurality of voting targets. Thereby, for each viewing terminal, a voting target designated by the user associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, so that information that can be used as a reference for voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal. (Appendix 3) In the above information processing apparatus, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display a voting target specified based on the play history of the first user among a plurality of voting targets in a first mode, and causes the second terminal to display a voting target specified based on the play history of the second user among the plurality of voting targets in the first mode. Accordingly, for each viewing terminal, a voting target specified based on the play history of the user associated with the displayed video is displayed in a mode different from other voting targets, so that information for reference in voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal. (Appendix 4) In the above information processing apparatus, the display control unit causes the first terminal to display the second voting target among the plurality of voting targets in a third mode, and causes the second terminal to display the first voting target among the plurality of voting targets in the third mode. Accordingly, for each viewing terminal, a voting target based on at least one of the user information or operations associated with the displayed video and a voting target based on at least one of the information or operations of other users are displayed in different modes, so that information for reference in voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal. (Appendix 5) In the above information processing apparatus, the control unit controls the progress of the game by reflecting one of the first voting target and the second voting target based on the number of votes for the first voting target and the number of votes for the second voting target. Accordingly, the tendency of the voting behavior can be enhanced, and the voting desire of the viewers can be improved. (Appendix 6) In addition, the information processing method according to the present embodiment includes a display control process in which a computer causes a terminal to display a video related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate, and a plurality of voting targets, a reception process in which the computer receives votes from a plurality of terminals for at least one of the plurality of voting targets, and a control process in which the computer controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. In the display control process, for a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user, among the plurality of voting targets, a first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first user is displayed in a first mode, a third voting target different from the first voting target is displayed in a second mode, and for a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user, among the plurality of voting targets, a second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second user is displayed in a first mode, and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target is displayed in a second mode. According to the above information processing method, for each viewing terminal, a voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the user associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, so that information for reference in voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal. (Appendix 7) In addition, the program according to the present embodiment causes a computer to function as a display control unit that displays a video related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate, a plurality of voting targets on a terminal, a reception unit that receives votes from a plurality of terminals for at least one of the plurality of voting targets, and a control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the received votes. The display control unit causes a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user to display a first voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first user among the plurality of voting targets in a first mode, and a third voting target different from the first voting target in a second mode, and causes a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user to display a second voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second user among the plurality of voting targets in a first mode, and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target in a second mode. According to the above program, for each viewing terminal, since a voting target specified based on at least one of the information or operations of the user associated with the displayed video is displayed in a manner different from other voting targets, information that can be used as a reference for voting can be provided to the users of each viewing terminal.

Explanation of Signs

[0164] 1 Information processing device 2 Distribution unit 3 Reception unit 4 Control unit 11 Game play video distribution system 12(12a, 12b) Viewer terminal 13(13a, 13b) Operation display unit 14(14a, 14b) Screen 15 Server 16(12a, 12b) Player terminal 17 Communication network 21 Control unit 22 Player-side control unit 23 Game environment control unit 24 Viewer-side control unit 25 represents the control unit 26 reception unit 27 voting processing unit 28 storage unit 29 communication unit

Claims

【Claim 1】 A display control unit that causes a terminal to display a video related to a game in which a plurality of users including a first user and a second user participate, and a plurality of voting targets; A reception unit that receives votes from a plurality of terminals for at least one of the plurality of voting targets; A control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the received votes, comprising: The display control unit: For a first terminal that displays a first video associated with the first user, among the plurality of voting targets, a first voting target identified based on at least one of the information or operations of the first user is displayed in a first mode, and a third voting target different from the first voting target is displayed in a second mode; For a second terminal that displays a second video associated with the second user, among the plurality of voting targets, a second voting target identified based on at least one of the information or operations of the second user is displayed in a first mode, and a fourth voting target different from the second voting target is displayed in a second mode. An information processing apparatus.

Images