Game live distribution system and program

Abstract

To ripen a climax of a game live distribution by increasing a sense of unity between a distributer and a viewer.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A game live distribution system performs a game live distribution among multiple users including a distributor and a viewer, and includes a game providing section for providing a game for imparting a dividend corresponding to a dividend magnification to a user when a betting performed by the user by estimating a result of a competition performed in a game space satisfies a hitting condition, a distribution section for distributing a live reporting animation of the game played by the distributor to the viewer, and a betting reception section for receiving the betting by the distributor and also receiving the betting by the viewer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game live streaming system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various video streaming services have become popular due to the increasing performance and functionality of various devices such as smartphones and the increasing speed of Internet communications. In particular, live game streaming services have become available, in which streamers broadcast gameplay videos to viewers in real time, providing commentary as they play the game.

[0003] In game live streaming systems that provide such live game streaming services, various communication functions are implemented to enable communication between broadcasters who broadcast game play-by-play videos and viewers who watch the game play-by-play videos. For example, in game live streaming systems, a chat area is displayed on a device along with the live game play video, allowing viewers to communicate with the broadcaster through comments (chats). Furthermore, in recent years, it has become possible for viewers to send gifts (support gifts) to broadcasters via game live streaming services. Viewers can purchase and send such gifts to broadcasters to support their favorite broadcasters or use them as an opportunity to communicate with them.

[0004] Meanwhile, there is a service available that allows betting on publicly managed sports events such as horse racing, boat racing, and bicycle racing via a communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Users of this service predict the outcome of the race and place their bets by placing monetary or other value on their predictions. The votes are accepted by a server, and once the race results are determined, a payout (payout) according to the winning bet is awarded to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-000686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional live game streaming services, streamers broadcast live video of the game they are playing to viewers, and viewers simply provide comments and gifts to the streamer while watching the live video; viewers rarely participate in the content of the game.

[0007] Therefore, with conventional technology, it is difficult to enhance the sense of unity between broadcasters and viewers in live game broadcasts, and there is room for improvement in terms of creating excitement in live game broadcasts.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game live streaming system and program that can enhance the sense of unity between the streamer and the viewers and create excitement in the game live streaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The game live streaming system according to the first aspect is a game live streaming system for live streaming games between multiple users including broadcasters and viewers, and includes: a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user predicts the outcome of a competition held in a game space and, if the user's vote fulfills a winning condition, awards the user a payout according to a payout multiplier; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the broadcaster to the viewers; and a vote accepting unit that accepts the votes from the broadcaster and also accepts the votes from the viewers.

[0010] The program according to the second aspect is a program for live streaming a game between multiple users including broadcasters and viewers, and causes a computer to function as a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user predicts the outcome of a competition held in a game space and, if the user's vote fulfills a winning condition, awards the user a payout according to a payout multiplier; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the broadcaster to the viewers; and a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the broadcaster and also accepts the votes from the viewers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game live streaming system and program that can enhance the sense of unity between the streamer and the viewers and create excitement in the game live streaming. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a game live streaming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of a betting game provided by a distribution server according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distribution server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a distribution server according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A game live streaming system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The game live streaming system is a system for live streaming games between multiple users, including broadcasters and viewers. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals.

[0014] (1) System configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment. The game live streaming system 1 realizes a game live streaming service that provides viewers with live gameplay videos in real time, which are gameplay videos in which a streamer provides commentary while playing the game. In the example shown in the figure, there is one viewer watching the live gameplay video by the streamer, but there may be multiple viewers watching the live gameplay video by the streamer. When there is no need to distinguish between the streamer and the viewer, they are also simply referred to as "users." A user is a user of the game live streaming service. It is assumed that a user has an account with the game live streaming service.

[0015] The game live streaming system 1 includes a streaming server 100 and a plurality of terminals 200. The streaming server 100 and the terminals 200 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 10. The communication network 10 includes the Internet. The communication network 10 may also include a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0016] The distribution server 100 is configured with one or more computers and is an information processing device of a business providing a live game streaming service. The distribution server 100 may also be referred to as a game live streaming server. The distribution server 100 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC (Personal Computer), or may be logically realized using cloud computing (distributed computing). In other words, the distribution server 100 may be configured with one computer or multiple computers.

[0017] The multiple terminals 200 include a broadcaster terminal 200a and a viewer terminal 200b. In a game live streaming service, a user becomes a broadcaster by selecting a game and starting to broadcast a live video. On the other hand, a user becomes a viewer by selecting a broadcaster and starting to watch the live video. In other words, one user can be both a broadcaster and a viewer. However, one user cannot be both a broadcaster and a viewer at the same time. The distribution server 100 accepts access from each terminal 200 and broadcasts the game live video (including audio) provided by the broadcaster terminal 200a to the viewer terminal 200b.

[0018] The terminal 200 may be, for example, a PC, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device. The terminal 200 has an interface with a user and an interface with the communication network 10. The interface with the user may include, for example, at least one of a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch panel display, a microphone, and a speaker. The interface with the communication network 10 may include at least one of a wired communication interface and a wireless communication interface. In the following description of the embodiment, it is mainly assumed that each terminal 200 is a smartphone. An application program for using a game live streaming service is installed on each terminal 200. However, each terminal 200 may also use a game live streaming service provided as a web service via a general-purpose web browser. By accessing the distribution server 100 via the installed application program, the terminal 200 can play various games provided by the distribution server 100 and can stream or watch the game commentary videos.

[0019] In the game live streaming system 1, a live video of the game (specifically, video data and audio data) is sent from the broadcaster's terminal 200a to the distribution server 100, and the distribution server 100 performs various information processing on the live video and sends (distributes) the live video to the viewer's terminal 200b, and the viewer's terminal 200b displays the live video received from the distribution server 100.

[0020] Such a game live streaming system 1 is equipped with various communication functions to enable communication between broadcasters who broadcast game play videos and viewers who watch the play videos. For example, the game live streaming system 1 displays game play videos on the terminal 200 and also displays a chat area, allowing viewers to communicate with the broadcaster through comments (chats). Furthermore, viewers can send gifts to broadcasters via the game live streaming service. Viewers can purchase and send such gifts to broadcasters to support their favorite broadcasters or as an opportunity to communicate with them. In a game live streaming service, broadcasters broadcast play videos of games they are playing to viewers, and viewers provide comments and gifts to the broadcasters while watching the play videos.

[0021] In the game live streaming system 1, viewers can register (follow) their favorite broadcasters. Generally, viewers become fans of the broadcasters they follow and are motivated to support their favorite broadcasters. Broadcasters are motivated to broadcast live in order to increase their fan base.

[0022] The distribution server 100 according to this embodiment provides a game in which a user predicts the outcome of a competition held in a game space and, if the user's bets fulfill a winning condition, the user is awarded a payout. In the following description of the embodiment, such a game is also referred to as a "betting game." In particular, the betting game according to this embodiment does not involve the use of assets or other items for betting or payouts, and does not have a gambling element. Such a betting game may also be referred to as a "social betting" game.

[0023] The competition held in the game space may be any game in which victory or defeat or ranking is determined, but may also be, for example, a competition in which a race or battle is automatically conducted between virtual athletes (virtual players). The virtual athletes may be characters (human-like characters), vehicles, robots, animals, or monsters. In the following description of the embodiment, arena-style competitions in which monsters battle each other are mainly assumed.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the betting game provided by the distribution server 100 according to this embodiment.

[0025] STEP 1: First, when a broadcaster starts (hosts) a betting game, users (broadcasters, viewers) predict the outcome of the competition held in the game space and vote (bet). The prediction may be for the one remaining monster, or for monsters up to a predetermined rank (for example, the first and second place monsters and their ranks, or the first to third place monsters and their ranks). In the following description of the embodiment, we will mainly assume a case where the one remaining monster is predicted. In this case, the hit condition is that the prediction of the one remaining monster is correct.

[0026] Users vote for predictions using voting value. In this embodiment, the voting value is points (which may be referred to as "medals") that are used exclusively for betting games. For example, points have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash. Points may be free points that can be obtained by satisfying certain conditions in the game live streaming service (or betting game) (for example, by logging in to the service). Alternatively, points may be paid points that can be purchased on the game live streaming service. In either case, points cannot be exchanged for cash and can only be used for betting games, and do not constitute property or the like, thereby avoiding the nature of gambling. This allows a wide range of users to enjoy betting games.

[0027] Each monster is assigned a payout rate (odds) according to its characteristics (strength, etc.), and generally, the stronger the monster, the lower the payout rate (odds). The betting details of each user in the betting game may be made public to other users.

[0028] STEP 2: After voting, a competition takes place in the game space. In this embodiment, an automatic battle between monsters takes place. Users (broadcasters, viewers) can watch the monsters battle, and broadcasters can comment on the battle. For example, as each monster attacks another monster, the other monster's stamina (hit points) decreases, and when its stamina reaches zero, it becomes the loser, and the last monster remaining is the winner. Broadcasters can comment on the battle, cheering on the monster they voted for and / or the monsters voted for by viewers. Viewers can post comments cheering on the monster they voted for and / or the monster the broadcaster voted for.

[0029] STEP 3: Depending on the results of the competition, users (broadcasters, viewers) are awarded payouts according to the payout multiplier. Specifically, users who correctly predict the results of the competition are awarded payouts according to the payout multiplier of their correct predictions. In this embodiment, the payouts are points used exclusively for betting games. As described above, points have no monetary value and cannot be converted into cash. The points thus obtained as payouts can be used to vote (STEP 1) for the competition (monster battle) to be held thereafter.

[0030] In this way, in the betting game according to this embodiment, viewers can also participate in voting, which can enhance the sense of unity between the broadcaster and viewers in the live game broadcast and create excitement for the live game broadcast. Furthermore, because both voting and payouts are made using points that do not correspond to property, gambling aspects can be avoided, and the betting game can be enjoyed by a wide range of users.

[0031] (2) Distribution server configuration 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the distribution server 100 according to this embodiment. The distribution server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit .

[0032] The communication unit 110 is a network interface connected to the communication network 10. The communication by the communication unit 110 may be wired communication or may include wireless communication. The communication unit 110 communicates with the terminal 200 via the communication network 10 under the control of the processing unit 130.

[0033] The storage unit 120 includes various memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an auxiliary storage device. The program (game live streaming program) executed by the processing unit 130 is stored in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 120, for example. The storage unit 120 stores various databases related to the game live streaming service. In this embodiment, the databases stored in the storage unit 120 include a user information database 121, a game information database 122, a gift information database 123, and a prediction result database 124.

[0034] The user information database 121 stores a user ID, nickname, owned points information, and owned game currency information for each user of the game live streaming service. The user ID constitutes the user's account information and includes an ID unique to the game live streaming service and / or an ID unique to the betting game. The nickname is the name used to refer to the user in the game live streaming service.

[0035] The owned point information is information about points owned by a user, which have value that can only be used in betting games. Points have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash. Points may be free points that can be obtained by fulfilling certain conditions in the game live streaming service (or betting game) (for example, by logging in to the service). Alternatively, points may be paid points that can be purchased on the game live streaming service.

[0036] The owned game currency information is information about the game currency owned by the user, which is a value that can be used in betting games and other games (especially other games on the game live streaming service). Hereinafter, such game currency will also be referred to as "coins." Coins cannot be exchanged for cash. There are free coins that can be obtained by fulfilling certain conditions on the game live streaming service (e.g., logging in to the service), and paid coins that can be purchased with money on the game live streaming service. Gifts typically given on game live streaming services are purchased by viewers using coins. Coins may also be used to purchase avatars and / or costumes to be used on the game live streaming service.

[0037] The game information database 122 stores information about betting games, such as the drawing data, characteristics, and payout rate information of each monster, the ID of each game, and information about participating users.

[0038] The gift information database 123 stores information about gifts to support broadcasters.

[0039] The prediction result database 124 stores, for example, for each race held in a betting game, information on each user who placed a vote, the content of each user's vote (prediction content), information on whether each user's prediction was correct or not, and information on each user's payout.

[0040] The processing unit 130 is configured with one or more processors and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area for the processor. In this embodiment, the processing unit 130 loads a program (a game live streaming program) stored in the storage unit 120 into the RAM and executes it, thereby functioning as a game providing unit 131, a distribution unit 132, a vote receiving unit 133, a fever processing unit 134, a gift processing unit 135, a reward processing unit 136, and a ranking creation unit 137. Each of these units performs information processing using information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0041] The game providing unit 131 provides a betting game (social betting game) as described above to a user. A betting game is a game in which a payout is awarded to a user (a broadcaster or a viewer) when the user (a broadcaster or a viewer) predicts the outcome of a competition held in a game space and the user's vote satisfies a hit condition. In a betting game, betting processing, competition processing, and payout processing are performed in accordance with the procedures of STEP 1 to STEP 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] The distribution unit 132 distributes live video of a game played by a distributor to viewers. A user becomes a distributor by selecting a game and starting to distribute the live video. On the other hand, a user becomes a viewer by selecting any distributor and starting to watch the live video. In this embodiment, the distribution unit 132 distributes live video of a betting game played by a distributor to viewers. Specifically, the distributor transmits live video (video data and audio data) of the betting game from the distributor's terminal 200a to the distribution server 100, the distribution server 100 performs various information processing on the live video and transmits (distributes) the live video to the viewer's terminal 200b, and the viewer's terminal 200b displays the live video received from the distribution server 100.

[0043] The viewing screen displayed on the viewer's terminal 200b not only displays the live video, but also displays buttons for accepting comments and requests to give gifts to the broadcaster.

[0044] The vote accepting unit 133 accepts votes from the broadcaster and / or viewers in the betting game. For example, the vote accepting unit 133 accepts from the broadcaster on the broadcast screen an operation to select the monster predicted by the broadcaster, and also accepts from the broadcaster on the broadcast screen an operation to select the amount of value to be bet on the monster. The vote accepting unit 133 also accepts votes from viewers. Specifically, the vote accepting unit 133 accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen an operation to select the winning monster predicted by the viewer, and also accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen an operation to select the amount of value to bet on the monster.

[0045] Here, the vote receiving unit 133 receives votes from the broadcaster and / or viewers using points that are used exclusively for the betting game. Points can be purchased by broadcasters and viewers using coins (game currency). Coins (game currency) include free coins (free game currency) and paid coins (paid game currency).

[0046] In this way, the vote accepting unit 133 accepts votes from broadcasters and viewers. The vote accepting unit 133 also accepts votes from broadcasters and viewers using points, which are a value that is exclusively used for the game and cannot be converted into cash. The game providing unit 131 awards points as a payout in accordance with the points used for the vote and a payout multiplier.

[0047] When the result of counting the winning situations of the broadcaster and the viewer exceeds a threshold, the fever processing unit 134 activates a fever time that provides advantageous effects to the broadcaster and the viewer in the betting game. Activating such a fever time can further enhance the excitement of the betting game. The length of the fever time may be a predetermined fixed length of time, or may be a variable length of time corresponding to a threshold set in stages. Alternatively, the length of the fever time may be a variable length of time corresponding to a specified number of battles (competitions). During the fever time, information indicating the remaining fever time may be displayed on the broadcaster's broadcast screen and each viewer's viewing screen.

[0048] The gaming providing unit 131 may increase the payout rate during fever time compared to non-fever time. For example, during fever time, the payout rate is increased by multiplying the payout rate during non-fever time (i.e., the normal payout rate) by N. To give a specific example, if the normal payout rates for monster A are 2x and for monster B are 3x, then during fever time these are doubled, so that the payout rates for monster A are 4x and for monster B are 6x.

[0049] The fever processing unit 134 may activate Fever Time when the cumulative value of points awarded as payouts to the broadcaster and the viewers exceeds a threshold. For example, if a broadcaster is broadcasting a betting game live, and the cumulative points the broadcaster has earned as payouts during the broadcast are X points, and the cumulative points each viewer has earned as payouts during the broadcast are Y points, and the threshold is Z points, the fever processing unit 134 activates Fever Time when the condition "X+Y>Z" is met. The values ​​of X, Y, and / or Z may be displayed on the broadcaster's broadcast screen and each viewer's viewing screen. A gauge showing the value of "X+Y" may be displayed together with the threshold, and Fever Time may be activated when the gauge reaches the threshold.

[0050] The gift processing unit 135 accepts a viewer's request to give a dedicated gift (support gift) to a broadcaster, which is a gift used exclusively for a game. For example, a viewer can select a gift using a gift button displayed on the viewing screen of a betting game played by the broadcaster and give the selected gift. The reward processing unit 136 performs a process of granting a monetary or cashable reward to the broadcaster in response to the gift of the dedicated gift. For example, in the game live streaming system 1, a reward may be granted to a broadcaster based on the amount of gifts the broadcaster has received. Such a reward may be granted to a broadcaster who meets certain conditions, and may be calculated by multiplying the broadcast hourly rate, which is determined based on the amount of gifts and the total viewing time, by the broadcast time. Such a reward can increase the broadcaster's motivation to broadcast. Gifts can be purchased by viewers using coins (game currency). Paid gifts, which are gifts purchased with paid coins (paid game currency), may be set to provide a larger reward to the broadcaster than free gifts purchased with free coins (free game currency).

[0051] The dedicated gift may be a gift that grants points to both the broadcaster and the viewer to be used for voting. The gift processing unit 135 grants points to both the broadcaster and the viewer to be used exclusively for the betting game in response to the viewer's desire to give the gift. For example, the gift may be given by the viewer spending their own coins (free coins or paid coins), and one coin may be equivalent to one point, or one coin may be exchanged for a value greater than one point. By granting points to the broadcaster through the gift, the broadcaster can use the points for their own voting. Furthermore, by granting points to the viewer through the gift, the viewer can use the points for their own voting. Here, the amount of points granted to the viewer may be the same as the amount of points granted to the broadcaster. Note that viewers may feel embarrassed about giving gifts to the broadcaster, but granting points to the viewer as well can alleviate such embarrassment and encourage gift giving. If the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may award more points to both the broadcaster and the viewer than if the gift is a free gift. For example, a free gift worth one coin may award one point to both the broadcaster and the viewer, and a paid gift worth one coin may award two points to both the broadcaster and the viewer. This allows viewers to choose between gifts (free gifts and paid gifts) depending on how much they want to support the broadcaster.

[0052] The dedicated gift may be a gift that increases the payout rate in a betting game. Specifically, for a battle (competition) when the gift is given, the payout rate is increased compared to when the gift is not given. For example, when the gift is given, the payout rate is increased by N times (N≧2) the payout rate when the gift is not given. When the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may increase the payout rate by a larger amount compared to when the gift is a free gift. For example, the payout rate may be set to double for a free gift worth one coin, and triple for a paid gift worth one coin. This allows viewers to choose gifts (free gifts and paid gifts) depending on how much they want to support the streamer.

[0053] The dedicated gift may be a gift that facilitates the activation of Fever Time, which provides advantageous effects to broadcasters and viewers in a betting game. For example, the rate of increase of the "X+Y" value may be increased by N times, or the threshold value may be changed to be lower than normal, so that the gauge indicating the "X+Y" value fills more easily. Alternatively, the gift may forcibly activate Fever Time. When the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may increase the effect of facilitating the activation of Fever Time compared to when the gift is a free gift. For example, when the gift is a paid gift, the rate of increase of the "X+Y" value may be greater than when the gift is a free gift. Alternatively, when the gift is a paid gift, the amount of decrease in the threshold may be greater than when the gift is a free gift.

[0054] The ranking creation unit 137 tallyes the payout status for each of the multiple viewers during a counting period, and creates a ranking for the multiple viewers based on the tallying results. For example, the ranking creation unit 137 creates a ranking for each viewer so that viewers who have won more payouts during the counting period are ranked higher, and makes the created ranking public. This can increase viewers' motivation to vote, and contribute to creating excitement in the betting game.

[0055] In addition, the ranking creation unit 137 may calculate the income and expenditure (the difference between the amount of value cast in voting and the amount of value acquired in dividends) for each of multiple viewers, and create a ranking for each viewer so that viewers with higher income and expenditure within the calculation period are ranked higher.

[0056] The ranking creation unit 137 may create a ranking of the broadcasters. For example, the ranking creation unit 137 may create a ranking of each broadcaster so that viewers who have earned more rewards in betting games are ranked higher.

[0057] (3) Screen display example 4 to 7 are diagrams showing an example of a display screen on the viewer's terminal 200b according to this embodiment. On the display screen on the viewer's terminal 200b, the content of comments posted by each viewer is displayed in chronological order, superimposed on the game screen, but the content of the comments is not displayed.

[0058] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a monster selection screen among the voting screens according to this embodiment. On the monster selection screen, the name, payout ratio, and characteristics (attributes, stamina, attack power, defense power, etc.) of each monster that will be battling are displayed. Viewers predict the winning monster and select it by tapping on the predicted monster.

[0059] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for points to be cast in a vote, among the voting screens according to this embodiment. This screen displays information about the value (points, free coins, and paid coins) possessed by the viewer, as well as a button (button A) for selecting how many points to cast in a vote and a button (button B) for purchasing points using coins. By tapping button A, the viewer can select or input the number of points.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen as an example of a competition screen according to this embodiment. After voting is completed, an automatic battle between monsters is displayed on the battle screen. Users (broadcasters, viewers) can watch the monsters battle, and the broadcaster can comment on the battle. For example, as each monster attacks other monsters, the stamina (hit points) of the other monsters decreases, and when the stamina reaches zero, the monster becomes the loser, and the last monster remaining is the winner.

[0061] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen that displays the competition results and predicted results according to this embodiment. The result screen displays, for each of the broadcaster and the broadcaster's viewers, information indicating the balance of the current battle or the total balance of multiple battles, as well as information indicating whether the predictions for each battle were correct (in the example shown, white circles indicate correct results, and black circles indicate incorrect results).

[0062] (4) Example of change A modification of the above embodiment will now be described. In this modification, the reward processing unit 136 performs processing to award a dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the broadcaster in response to the viewer's vote satisfying the winning condition. Here, the reward processing unit 136 may award the broadcaster a monetary or cashable reward.

[0063] In this modified example, viewers' votes are not just a way to enjoy the betting game, but are also positioned as an act of supporting the streamer, and can be considered a form of gift to the streamer. This can further enhance the sense of unity between the streamer and viewers in live game streaming. It can also increase viewers' motivation to vote in order to receive a reward from the streamer. Furthermore, unlike regular gifts, the reward given to the streamer when a viewer's vote meets the winning conditions can be increased according to the payout multiplier for that vote.

[0064] In this modified example, the vote receiving unit 133 may receive votes from viewers as a gesture of support (gift) from the viewers to the distributor.

[0065] The reward to be given to the broadcaster may be calculated based on the broadcasting behavior of the viewers, etc. For example, the reward processing unit 136 may determine the reward to be given to the broadcaster based on the broadcasting activity or the viewing activity, such as the broadcasting time, the number of viewers, the viewing time, the amount of gift coins, the amount of gift points, etc.

[0066] The reward processing unit 136 provides the broadcaster with money or a substitute therefor, i.e., a reward having monetary value, as a reward for the broadcaster (reward for the viewer's vote satisfying the winning condition). For example, the reward may be money transferred to a bank account linked to the broadcaster's account, electronic money that can be used in a settlement application (an app that can make payments using barcodes, stacked two-dimensional codes, matrix two-dimensional codes, etc.), or virtual currency using blockchain technology.

[0067] In this modified example, the vote receiving unit 133 may be capable of accepting votes from viewers using coins instead of points. The reward processing unit 136 may use different methods to determine the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster depending on whether the viewer voted using points or coins. For example, under the condition that the voting content (payout ratio and value) is the same, the reward processing unit 136 may increase the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster when the viewer voted using coins compared to when the viewer voted using points.

[0068] The reward processing unit 136 may use different methods to determine the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster depending on whether the viewer's vote was made using free coins or paid coins. For example, under the condition that the voting content (payout ratio and value) is the same, the reward processing unit 136 may increase the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster when the viewer's vote was made using paid coins compared to when the viewer's vote was made using free coins.

[0069] Table 1 shows an example of the payouts to viewers and the rewards to streamers when a viewer's vote meets the winning conditions. This example shows the payouts to viewers and the rewards to streamers when the same number of points, free coins, and paid coins are cast and the payout multiplier is the same.

[0070] [Table 1]

[0071] As shown in Table 1, regardless of the value of the vote (points, free coins, or paid coins) the viewer receives the same payout, but the reward for the streamer varies. Note that streamers may be awarded a reward up to n% of the total amount of paid coins cast by all viewers of that streamer.

[0072] In this way, by varying the method (decision logic) for determining the reward to the broadcaster depending on the type of value (points, free coins, and paid coins) cast by the viewer in their vote, viewers can, for example, decide which type of value to cast depending on how passionately they want to support the broadcaster, thereby increasing the viewer's freedom of choice.

[0073] 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the distribution server 100 according to this modified example. Here, the explanation will be given assuming that only viewers cast votes in the betting game.

[0074] In step S1, the distribution server 100 provides a user with a betting game (social betting game) as described above. A broadcaster who has logged in to the game live distribution service may select a betting game and start distribution, thereby starting play of the betting game. A viewer who has logged in to the game live distribution service may participate in the betting game by selecting the broadcaster from a list of broadcasters and starting viewing.

[0075] In step S2, the distribution server 100 distributes a live video of the betting game played by the broadcaster to the viewer. As described above, the viewing screen displayed on the viewer's terminal 200b displays not only the live video but also buttons for accepting comments and requests to give gifts to the broadcaster.

[0076] In step S3, if the viewer selects a gift, distribution server 100 accepts the viewer's vote. That is, distribution server 100 accepts the viewer's vote as a supportive act (gift) from the viewer to the broadcaster. Specifically, distribution server 100 accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen an operation to select the monster predicted by the viewer, and also accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen an operation to select the amount of value to bet on the monster.

[0077] In step S4, the distribution server 100 determines whether the viewer's vote satisfies the hit condition. For example, the distribution server 100 determines whether the viewer's prediction of the winning monster was correct.

[0078] If it is determined that the viewer's vote satisfies the winning condition (step S4: YES), in step S5, distribution server 100 awards the viewer a payout according to the payout rate, and also awards a reward to the distributor.

[0079] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer's vote did not satisfy the winning condition (step S4: NO), in step S6, distribution server 100 does not award a dividend to the viewer and does not award a reward to the distributor.

[0080] (5) Other embodiments In the above embodiment, an example was described in which each viewer watching a stream from a stream independently votes for a monster, but it would also be acceptable to configure a viewer group consisting of viewers watching a stream from a stream to only be able to vote for a monster determined by the streamer or a monster determined by a vote from the entire viewer group. Alternatively, viewers with a high win rate could be selected from the viewer group, and only be able to vote for the monster selected by that viewer.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the user can select the amount of value to be contributed to a vote in units of 1 point or 1 coin. However, the user may have the option to contribute all of the points they possess to a vote.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, a function may be introduced in which points are accumulated for competitions (battles) in which neither user (broadcaster nor viewer) predicts correctly, and a user who predicts correctly in a subsequent competition can take all of the accumulated points.

[0083] The operational flows and operational examples in the above-described embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order depicted in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams. For example, steps in the operations may be executed in an order different from that depicted in the flow diagrams or sequence diagrams, or may be executed in parallel. Some steps in the operations may be deleted, or additional steps may be added to the processing. The operational flows and operational examples in the above-described embodiments may be executed independently, or two or more operational flows and operational examples may be combined and executed. For example, some steps in one operational flow may be added to another operational flow, or some steps in one operational flow may be replaced with some steps in another operational flow.

[0084] A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiments. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can be used to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0085] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "depending only on" and "depending at least in part on." Furthermore, the terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof do not mean including only the listed items, but may include only the listed items, or may include additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean an exclusive or. In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0086] The above describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0087] (6) Supplementary notes The following additional notes are about the features of the above-described embodiment.

[0088] Appendix 1 A game live streaming system for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a broadcaster and viewers, a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier when a user's bet on the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers; a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers. Game live streaming system.

[0089] Appendix 2 the vote acceptance unit accepts the votes from each of the distributor and the viewers using points that have value exclusively used for the game and cannot be converted into cash; The gaming providing unit awards points according to the points used for the betting and the payout rate as the payout. 1. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 1.

[0090] Appendix 3 The game system further includes a fever processing unit that activates a fever time that provides advantageous effects to the distributor and the viewers in the game when the result of counting the hit situations of the distributor and the viewers exceeds a threshold. 3. A game live streaming system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0091] Appendix 4 The gaming providing unit increases the payout rate during the fever time compared to during a non-fever time. 1. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 3.

[0092] Appendix 5 The fever processing unit activates the fever time when the cumulative value of points awarded as the dividend to each of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold value. 5. A game live streaming system according to claim 3 or 4.

[0093] Appendix 6 a gift processing unit that receives from the viewer a request to give a support gift to the streamer, the support gift being a dedicated gift to be used exclusively for the game; a reward processing unit that performs processing to grant money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash to the distributor in response to the giving of the dedicated gift. A game live streaming system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5.

[0094] Appendix 7 The dedicated gift is a gift that gives points to be used for the vote to both the broadcaster and the viewer. 6. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 6.

[0095] Appendix 8 The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, When the dedicated gift is the paid gift, the gift processing unit awards more points to both the distributor and the viewer than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. 7. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 7.

[0096] Appendix 9 The dedicated gift is a gift that increases the payout rate. 6. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 6.

[0097] Appendix 10 The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, The gift processing unit increases the payout rate more significantly when the dedicated gift is the paid gift than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. 10. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 9.

[0098] Appendix 11 The dedicated gift is a gift that makes it easier to activate a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the broadcaster and the viewers in the game. 6. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 6.

[0099] Appendix 12 The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, When the dedicated gift is the paid gift, the gift processing unit increases the effect of making the fever time easier to activate compared to when the dedicated gift is the free gift. 12. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 11.

[0100] Appendix 13 The system further includes a ranking creation unit that compiles the payout status for each of a plurality of viewers during a compilation period and creates a ranking of the plurality of viewers according to the compilation result. A game live streaming system according to any one of appendices 1 to 12.

[0101] Appendix 14 The system further includes a reward processing unit that performs processing to award the dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the distributor in response to the vote by the viewer satisfying the winning condition. 1. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 1.

[0102] Appendix 15 The reward processing unit provides monetary or cashable rewards to the distributor. 15. A game live streaming system as described in Appendix 14.

[0103] Appendix 16 A program for live streaming a game among multiple users including a streamer and viewers, the program comprising: a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier when a user's bet on the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers; a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1: Game live streaming system 10: Communication Network 100: Distribution server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 121: User information database 122: Game Information Database 123: Gift Information Database 124: Predicted results database 130: Processing section 131: Game Provider 132: Distribution Department 133: Voting Reception 134: Fever processing unit 135: Gift Processing Department 136: Reward processing unit 137: Ranking Creation Department 200: Terminal

Claims

1. A game live streaming system for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a broadcaster and viewers, a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier when a user's bet on the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers; a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers. Game live streaming system.

2. the vote acceptance unit accepts the votes from each of the distributor and the viewers using points that have value exclusively used for the game and cannot be converted into cash; The gaming providing unit awards points according to the points used for the betting and the payout rate as the payout. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 .

3. The game system further includes a fever processing unit that activates a fever time that provides advantageous effects to the distributor and the viewers in the game when the result of counting the hit situations of the distributor and the viewers exceeds a threshold. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 .

4. The gaming providing unit increases the payout rate during the fever time compared to during a non-fever time. The game live distribution system according to claim 3 .

5. The fever processing unit activates the fever time when the cumulative value of points awarded as the dividend to each of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold value. The game live distribution system according to claim 3 .

6. a gift processing unit that receives from the viewer a request to give a support gift to the streamer, the support gift being a dedicated gift to be used exclusively for the game; a reward processing unit that performs processing to grant money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash to the distributor in response to the giving of the dedicated gift. The game live distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The dedicated gift is a gift that gives points to be used for the vote to both the broadcaster and the viewer. The game live distribution system according to claim 6.

8. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, When the dedicated gift is the paid gift, the gift processing unit awards more points to both the distributor and the viewer than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live distribution system according to claim 7.

9. The dedicated gift is a gift that increases the payout rate. The game live distribution system according to claim 6.

10. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, The gift processing unit increases the payout rate more significantly when the dedicated gift is the paid gift than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live distribution system according to claim 9.

11. The dedicated gift is a gift that makes it easier to activate a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the broadcaster and the viewers in the game. The game live distribution system according to claim 6.

12. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency, When the dedicated gift is the paid gift, the gift processing unit increases the effect of making the fever time easier to activate compared to when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live distribution system according to claim 11.

13. The system further includes a ranking creation unit that compiles the payout status for each of a plurality of viewers during a compilation period and creates a ranking of the plurality of viewers according to the compilation result. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 .

14. The system further includes a reward processing unit that performs processing to award the dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the distributor in response to the vote by the viewer satisfying the winning condition. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 .

15. The reward processing unit provides monetary or cashable rewards to the distributor. The game live streaming system according to claim 14.

16. A program for live streaming a game among multiple users including a streamer and viewers, the program comprising: a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier when a user's bet on the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition; a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers; a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers. program.

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