Information processor, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To suppress the cost for information processing due to a group event function in which viewers of a game play-by-play moving image for live distribution, in games having the group event function.SOLUTION: An information processor (e.g., a server device configuring a game management system 5) according to one aspect of the present invention, comprises: acquisition means for acquiring progress data indicating the progress of a second game from a participant terminal (e.g., a game terminal 1b) in executing the second game, that is designated in a group event in which a first game being executed by a sponsor terminal (e.g., a game terminal 1a) is subjected to live distribution; and provision means for providing, to the sponsor terminal, progress control data controlling the progress of the first game being executed by the sponsor terminal according to the progress data acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic game using a display capable of displaying two or more dimensions, and in particular to a device that provides a group event function in which viewers of live game commentary videos can participate, as well as a control method and control program for the same. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a mechanism for allowing other users nearby a user playing a game to participate in the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the video of a game being played by one user on a terminal device is displayed in real time on another monitor, and other users participate in the progress of the game by operating objects other than the player object with a controller while watching the video displayed on the monitor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The mechanism described in Patent Document 1 employs a specification in which an LED module is placed above the monitor screen, and the position of the LED module in the image captured by the controller is calculated and continuously transmitted to the game device itself via short-range wireless communication (paragraph

[0030] of Patent Document 1). Therefore, it is not suitable for events in which an unspecified number of users participate in real time via a public communication network such as the Internet.

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to reduce the information processing costs associated with a group event function in an electronic game that has a group event function in which viewers of live-streamed game commentary videos can participate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [A] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, an "information processing device," comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring progress data indicating the progress of a second game designated in a group event in which a first game being executed on an organizer terminal is live-streamed, from a participant terminal executing the second game; and a provision means for providing the organizer terminal with progress control data for controlling the progress of the first game being executed on the organizer terminal in accordance with the progress data acquired by the acquisition means. [B] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "method for controlling an information processing device," includes an acquisition step of acquiring progress data indicating the progress of a second game designated in a group event in which a first game being executed on an organizer terminal is live-streamed from a participant terminal executing the second game, and a provision step of providing progress control data to the organizer terminal that controls the progress of the first game being executed on the organizer terminal in accordance with the progress data acquired in the acquisition step. [C] In order to solve the above problem, the "control program" of one aspect of the present invention causes a computer of an information processing device to implement an acquisition function that acquires progress data indicating the progress of a second game designated in a group event in which a first game being executed on an organizer terminal is live-streamed from a participant terminal that is executing the second game, and a provision function that provides the organizer terminal with progress control data that controls the progress of the first game being executed on the organizer terminal in accordance with the progress data acquired by the acquisition function. [D] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention, a "computer-readable recording medium," records a control program that causes a computer of an information processing device to implement an acquisition function that acquires progress data indicating the progress of a second game designated in a group event in which a first game being executed on an organizer terminal is live-streamed from a participant terminal that is executing the second game, and a provision function that provides the organizer terminal with progress control data that controls the progress of the first game being executed on the organizer terminal in accordance with the progress data acquired by the acquisition function.

[0007] The following technical limitations may be added to the "information processing device" in [A] above. Similar technical limitations may also be added to the "control method" in [B] above, the "control program" in [C] above, and the program recorded on the "recording medium" in [D] above. [A1] For example, a technical limitation may be added that the providing means provides the progress control data that contributes to assisting or hindering the progress. [A2] In the invention of [A1] above, a further technical limitation may be added in that the acquisition means further acquires classification data indicating participation purposes selectable by participants, and the provision means provides the progress control data that serves to assist or hinder the progress in accordance with the classification data acquired by the acquisition means. [A3] In the invention of [A2] above, a further technical limitation may be added in that the acquisition means acquires the division data further indicating the modification mode, and the provision means provides the progress control data that controls the progress individually or collectively according to the division data acquired by the acquisition means. [A4] In the invention of [A3] above, the acquisition means may acquire the classification data indicating the change mode including at least an immediate change and an accumulated change, and may further include means for storing the accumulated data in the storage means each time the acquisition means acquires classification data indicating an accumulated change, and the provision means may immediately provide the progress control data that controls the progress individually each time the acquisition means acquires classification data indicating an immediate change, and provide the progress control data that controls the progress collectively at a predetermined timing according to the accumulated data stored in the storage means. [A5] In the invention of [A4] above, a further technical limitation may be added in that the providing means provides the control data for collectively controlling the progress each time the amount of accumulated data accumulated in the storage means reaches a predetermined value, or the providing means provides the control data for collectively controlling the progress after the progress of the first game being executed on the organizer terminal reaches a predetermined stage. [A6] In the inventions of [A4] and [A5] above, a further technical limitation may be added that the invention further comprises a linking means for outputting accumulation display data that displays an accumulation display indicating the amount of accumulated data accumulated in the accumulation means each time classification data indicating an accumulation change is acquired by the acquisition means. [A7] In the invention of [A6] above, a further technical limitation may be added that the acquisition means acquires the division data indicating the change mode that can be arbitrarily changed by the participant. [A8] In the invention of [A7] above, a further technical limitation may be added in that the linking means further outputs power display data that displays a power display showing the power relationships of the participants based on the latest classification data acquired by the acquisition means. [A9] In the invention of [A8] above, a further technical limitation may be added in that the acquisition means acquires the division data indicating the purpose of participation, which can be changed at will by the participant, and the provision means provides the progress control data that serves to assist or hinder the progress according to the latest division data acquired by the acquisition means.

[0008] In the present invention, a "group event" refers to a game event in which multiple users (participants) can participate online by watching a game commentary video live-streamed by a specific user (host). In the present invention, "live distribution" refers to distribution in near real time. In the present invention, the terminal that records the live-streamed game commentary video may be an organizer terminal on which a predetermined program is installed, or may be another user terminal on which a predetermined program is installed. In the present invention, the terminal for viewing the live-streamed game commentary video may be a participant terminal on which a predetermined program is installed, or may be another user terminal on which a predetermined program is installed. In the present invention, the organizer plays a "first game" on the organizer terminal, and the participants play a "second game" on the participant terminal. Both the "first game" and the "second game" progress by progressing through multiple stages in a predetermined order. The "first game" and the "second game" may be the same game or different games. In the present invention, the "progress data" and the "section data" may be integrated data or may be separate data. In the present invention, the "accumulated display" is added to the video of the first game in progress on the host terminal and is distributed live. In the present invention, the "power display" is added to the video of the first game in progress on the host terminal and is distributed live. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In this invention, progress data showing the progress of a designated second game is acquired from participant devices running a first game being live-streamed on an organizer device in a group event, and progress control data for controlling the progress of the first game being run on the organizer device in accordance with the progress data is provided to the organizer device. In other words, the progress of the second game played by the participants indirectly affects the progress of the first game played by the organizer. Therefore, according to the present invention, in an electronic game having a group event function in which viewers of a live-streamed game commentary video can participate, the information processing costs resulting from the group event function are reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview (embodiment). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a network configuration (embodiment); [Figure 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram of example items of management data (embodiment); [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of a user device (embodiment); [Figure 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of a server device (embodiment); [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a game management system and a distribution management system (embodiment); [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram of example items of event data (Example); [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an event implementation procedure (embodiment); [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a display example of distribution data (embodiment). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a network configuration example (modification example). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a game management system and a distribution management system (modification example). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [1. Embodiment] This embodiment relates to an information processing system that provides a function of an event (group event) in which multiple users (participants) who watch a game commentary video live-streamed by a specific user (organizer) can participate online. A key feature of group events is the indirect involvement of participants in electronic games played by the organizers.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an overview of the system of this embodiment. The host plays the first game on his / her own game terminal 1a. The video and audio of the first game being played on game terminal 1a are recorded by recording terminal 2 and registered in distribution management system 3 almost in real time. The registered video and audio are live-streamed from the distribution management system 3 to the viewing terminal 4 as a game commentary video.

[0013] For example, a participant views a live-streamed game commentary video on a viewing terminal 4, while playing a second game, which may be the same as or different from the first game, on his / her own game terminal 1b. The game terminal 1 (1a, 1b) acquires various control data from the game management system 5 and reflects the data in the progress of the game, and also stores various parameters in the game management system 5. A single terminal may have the functions of both game terminal 1a and recording terminal 2. Also, a single terminal may have the functions of both game terminal 1b and viewing terminal 4.

[0014] The game management system 5 of this embodiment (an example of a system including an "information processing device" in the present invention) comprises an acquisition means for acquiring progress data indicating the progress of a second game from a game terminal 1b (an example of a "participant terminal" in the present invention) that is running a specified second game in a group event where a first game being run on a game terminal 1a (an example of an "organizer terminal" in the present invention) is live-streamed, and a provision means for providing progress control data to the game terminal 1a that controls the progress of the first game being run on the game terminal 1a in accordance with the progress data acquired by the acquisition means.

[0015] With this configuration, the progress of the second game played by the participants affects the progress of the first game played by the organizer, without requiring information about the participants' operations in the second game. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in an electronic game having a group event function in which viewers of live-streamed game commentary videos can participate, the cost of information processing (particularly, calculation processing and communication processing) resulting from the group event function is reduced. [Example]

[0016] 2. Working Example [2-1. Overview] This embodiment relates to an information processing system having a group event function in which multiple participants can participate online to watch a game commentary video live-streamed by a host. The host plays an electronic game in host mode, while the participants participate in the group event by each playing the same electronic game as the host in normal mode.

[0017] [2-2. Network Configuration] FIG. 2 shows an example of a network configuration of the system according to the embodiment. The system of this embodiment includes game terminals 10 (10a, 10b), a recording terminal 20, a viewing terminal 30, a game management system 40, and a distribution management system 50. The game management system 40 includes a user management server 41 (an example of an “information processing device”), a data management server 42, and a storage device 43. The distribution management system 50 includes a registration server 51, a processing server 52, a distribution server 53, and a storage device 54.

[0018] Game terminals 10 (10a, 10b) and user management server 41 can exchange data with each other via communication network 60. The recording terminal 20 can provide registration data to the registration server 51 via the communication network 60. The viewing terminal 30 can obtain distribution data from the distribution server 53 via the communication network 60. The game management system 40 and the distribution management system 50 can exchange data via a communication network 60, a dedicated line, or a shared storage device (not shown).

[0019] The game terminal 10a and the recording terminal 20 are used by the organizer. The terminal 20 may be a single terminal. Participants use game terminal 10b and viewing terminal 30. Game terminal 10b and viewing terminal 30 may be a single terminal. The communication network 60 may include an existing network (for example, at least one of the Internet, a mobile phone network, a wireless wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (LAN), and Ethernet (registered trademark)).

[0020] [2-2-1. Game terminal] The game terminals 10 (10a, 10b) are user devices (computers) on which a predetermined game program is installed. In the system of this embodiment, a general-purpose mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a small PC, etc.) on which a game program can be installed can be used as the user device. It is also possible to use a dedicated game machine in which a predetermined game program is pre-installed.

[0021] [2-2-2. Recording Device] The recording terminal 20 is a user device (computer) in which a predetermined recording program is installed. In the system of this embodiment, a general-purpose processing device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a PC, etc.) on which a recording program can be installed can be used as the user device.

[0022] [2-2-3. Viewing device] The viewing terminal 30 is a user device (computer) on which a predetermined viewing program is installed. In the system of this embodiment, a general-purpose processing device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a tablet PC (personal computer), a PC, etc.) on which a web browser and a viewing plug-in can be installed can be used as a user device.

[0023] [2-2-4. Game Management System] The game management system 40 includes a user management server 41 , a data management server 42 , and a storage device 43 . The user management server 41 is a server device (computer) in which a Web server program (also called an HTTP daemon (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon)) is installed. In response to a request from game terminal 10, user management server 41 reads necessary data from storage device 43 via data management server 42 and provides (responds to) game terminal 10. In response to a request from game terminal 10, user management server 41 also writes data acquired from game terminal 10 to storage device 43 via data management server 42 and provides (responses to) the processing result to game terminal 10. It is also possible to configure a server system by linking a plurality of server devices, thereby dividing up the functions of the user management server 41 or distributing the load on the user management server 41 .

[0024] The data management server 42 is a server device (computer) in which a DB (Database) server program is installed, and together with a built-in or externally connectable storage device 43, constitutes a DBMS (Database Management System). The data management server 42 has, for example, a function of storing data obtained from a requestor in response to a data storage request in the storage device 43, and a function of responding to the requestor with data extracted from the storage device 43 in response to a data extraction request. The storage device 43 stores various management data (FIG. 3). It is also possible to configure a server system by linking multiple server devices to share the functions of the data management server 42 or distribute the load on the data management server 42. It is also possible to distribute data among multiple storage devices.

[0025] 3(a) shows an example of items of user-related information. The user-related information is parameters related to the user who plays the game. As illustrated in Figure 3(a), the user-related information includes a key item, "user ID," "progress," which indicates the progress of the user in the electronic game they are playing, "cumulative score," which indicates the cumulative score held by the user, and a "host mode flag," which indicates, when significant, that the user is playing in host mode. In this embodiment, the initial values ​​of the user-related information are stored in the storage device 43 at the time of initialization. Furthermore, when a game program is started in the game terminal 10 (10a, 10b), the information is downloaded from the storage device 43 via the user management server 41 and the data management server 42, and when the game program is terminated, the information is uploaded to the storage device 43 via the user management server 41 and the data management server 42.

[0026] 3(b) shows an example of items of event-related information, which is parameters related to a group event. As illustrated in Figure 3(b), the event-related information includes a key item, an "event ID," an "organizer ID" that can identify the organizer of the event, and an "accumulation reflection threshold" that indicates the minimum unit for reflecting accumulated data for the event. The smaller the "accumulation reflection threshold", the more real-time the data becomes, and the larger the "accumulation reflection threshold", the less frequent the communication. When the "accumulation reflection threshold" is sufficiently large, the accumulated data is reflected in the final stage of the electronic game. In this embodiment, the event-related information is stored in the storage device 43 when the event is registered.

[0027] 3(c) shows an example of statistical information items. The statistical information is a parameter that indicates the participation status in a group event. As illustrated in Figure 3(c), the statistical information includes the key item "event ID", "immediate number of assisting people", "accumulated number of assisting people", "immediate number of obstructing people", "accumulated number of obstructing people", "immediate assistance points", "accumulated assistance points", "immediate obstructing points", and "accumulated obstructing points". In this embodiment, the statistical information is updated every time participation data is acquired from game terminal 10b.

[0028] 3(d) shows the segment definition information, which defines the participation segments of participants in a group event. As shown in FIG. 3(d), the section definition information associates a set of "participation purpose" (assist / obstruct) and "change mode" (immediate / accumulation) with "section data."

[0029] [2-2-5. Distribution Management System] The distribution management system 50 includes a registration server 51, a processing server 52, a distribution server 53, and a storage device 54. The registration server 51 is a server device (computer) on which a Web server program (also called an HTTP daemon (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon)) is installed. In response to a request from game terminal 10, registration server 51 sequentially writes registration data acquired from game terminal 10 into storage device 54, and provides the processing result to game terminal 10 (response). It is also possible to configure a server system by linking multiple server devices to share the functions of the registration server 51 or distribute the load on the registration server 51. It is also possible to distribute data across multiple storage devices.

[0030] The processing server 52 is a server device (computer) on which an application program is installed. The processing server 52 generates distribution data including the registration data written to the storage device 54 by the registration server 51 and the link data acquired from the game management system 40 as needed, and writes the distribution data to the storage device 54 . It is also possible to configure a server system by linking multiple server devices to share the functions of the processing server 52 or distribute the load on the processing server 52. It is also possible to store the registration data and the distribution data in separate storage devices.

[0031] The distribution server 53 is a server device (computer) in which a streaming server program is installed. Distribution server 53 provides (responds to) game terminal 10b with the distribution data written in storage device 54 by processing server 52 in response to a request from game terminal 10. It should be noted that a server system may be configured by linking a plurality of server devices together, and the functions of the distribution server 53 may be shared or the load on the distribution server 53 may be distributed.

[0032] [2-3. Hardware Configuration] [2-3-1. Hardware configuration of user device] FIG. 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user device. A typical user device has at least an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) 411 constituting a control processing unit, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 421 constituting a main memory unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 422 and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 423 constituting an auxiliary memory unit, a touch panel display 431 constituting an input unit and display unit, a speaker 432 constituting an audio output unit, a NIC (Network Interface Controller) 441 and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) chip 442 constituting a communication control unit, and a camera 451 and a microphone 452 constituting an imaging unit.

[0033] The RAM 421, the ROM 422, the EEPROM 423, the touch panel display 431, the speaker 432, the NIC 441, the wireless LAN chip 442, the camera 451, and the microphone 452 are connected to the MPU 411 via a bus line. The MPU 411 (1) loads the game program stored in the ROM 422 or the EEPROM 423 into the RAM 421, (2) acquires data from at least one of the touch panel display 431, the EEPROM 423, the NIC 441, the wireless LAN chip 442, the camera 451, and the microphone 452 in accordance with the instructions of the game program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data in accordance with the procedures specified in the game program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of the EEPROM 423, the touch panel display 431, the speaker 432, the NIC 441, and the wireless LAN chip 442.

[0034] [2-3-2. Server hardware configuration] FIG. 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device. A typical server device has a control processing device 510 including an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) and ROM (Read Only Memory), a main memory device 520 including RAM (Random Access Memory), an auxiliary memory device 530 including an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an input device 540 including a mouse and keyboard, an output device 550 including a display and speakers, and a communication control device 560 including a network card (Network Interface Card).

[0035] The main memory device 520, the auxiliary memory device 530, the input device 540, the output device 550, and the communication control device 560 are each connected to the control processing device 510 via a bus line. Control processing device 510 (1) loads a program stored in auxiliary storage device 530 onto main storage device 520, (2) acquires data from at least one of input device 540, auxiliary storage device 530, and communication control device 560 in accordance with the instructions of the program, (3) calculates and processes the acquired data in accordance with the procedures specified in the program, and (4) provides the calculated and processed data to at least one of auxiliary storage device 530, output device 550, and communication control device 560.

[0036] [2-4. Functional configuration] FIG. 6 shows examples of the functional configurations of the game management system and the distribution management system. The functions of the game management system 40 are shared by a user management server 41, a data management server 42, and a storage device 43. The functions of the user management server 41 are realized by installing an OS (Operating System) for server devices and a Web server program that runs on the OS in the server devices. The functions of the data management server 42 are realized by installing an OS for server devices and a database server program that runs on the OS in the server devices.

[0037] The functions of the distribution management system 50 are shared by a registration server 51, a processing server 52, a distribution server 53, and a storage device 54. The functions of the registration server 51 are realized by installing an OS for server devices and a Web server program that runs on the OS in the server devices. The functions of the processing server 52 are realized by installing an OS for server devices and an application program that runs on the OS on the server device. Note that the application program may also run on middleware on the OS. The functions of the distribution server 53 are realized by installing an OS for server devices and a streaming server program that runs on the OS in the server devices.

[0038] The program to be installed on the server device may be distributed in a state recorded on various recording media (e.g., CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disk), flash memory, etc.) and read into the server device from the recording media, or may be supplied to the server device by being superimposed on a carrier wave via a communication network. Alternatively, the software may be installed in the server device from the time of shipment.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution management system 50 includes a registration unit 611, a registered data storage unit 612, a linking unit 613, a processing unit 614, a distribution data storage unit 615, and a distribution unit 616. Of these, the registration unit 611 is configured to include a registration server 51. The processing unit 614 is configured to include a processing server 52. The distribution unit 616 is configured to include a distribution server 53. The registration data storage unit 612 and the distribution data storage unit 615 are each configured to include a storage device 54. The linking unit 613 is configured to include the registration server 51 or a server device not shown.

[0040] The registration unit 611 acquires registration data from the recording terminal 20 and stores it in the registration data storage unit 612 . The linking unit 613 acquires the linked data from the linking unit 624 and provides it to the processing unit 614. The linked data may be acquired directly from the linking unit 624 or indirectly via a shared storage device. The processing unit 614 combines the registration data stored in the registration data storage unit 612 with the linked data acquired from the linking unit 613 to generate distribution data, and stores the distribution data in the distribution data storage unit 615 . The distribution unit 616 distributes the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 615 to the viewing terminal 30 by streaming.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the game management system 40 includes an acquisition unit 621, a storage unit 622, a provision unit 623, and a linking unit 624. Of these, the acquisition unit 621 and the provision unit 623 are configured to include the user management server 41. The accumulation unit 622 is configured to include the data management server 42 and the storage device 43. The linking unit 624 is configured to include the user management server 41 or a server device (not shown).

[0042] Acquisition unit 621 acquires participation data from game terminal 10b and causes accumulation unit 622 to accumulate the data. Providing unit 623 generates progress control data from the accumulated data (statistical information) accumulated in accumulation unit 622, and provides the data to game terminal 10a. The linking unit 624 extracts linked data from the accumulated data (statistical information) accumulated in the accumulation unit 622, and provides the linked data to the linking unit 613. The linked data may be provided directly to the linking unit 613, or may be provided indirectly via a shared storage device.

[0043] [2-5. Event Data] 7(a) shows an example of entry data items. The entry data is data provided to the game management system 40 from the game terminal 10b. As illustrated in Figure 7(a), the participation data includes an "event ID" that can identify the event, a "participant ID" that can identify the participant of the event, "progress data" that indicates the progress of the participant in the electronic game, and "category data" that indicates the participant's purpose for participating in the event and the change mode.

[0044] In this embodiment, the electronic game involves clearing missions consisting of multiple stages in sequence, and the "progress data" is a numerical value indicating how many stages have been cleared. The "section data" is identification information corresponding to one of the sections defined in the "section definition information" (Fig. 3(d)). For example, participants view live-streamed game commentary videos (including power displays and accumulated displays) on viewing terminal 30, while arbitrarily selecting the purpose of participation and the change mode on game terminal 10b, and playing the electronic game.

[0045] 7(b) shows example items of the progress control data. The progress control data is data provided from the game management system 40 to the game terminal 10a. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the progress control data includes the "parameter name" and the "changed value" of the parameter that controls the progress of the electronic game being executed on game terminal 10a. Examples of "parameters" that control the progress of an electronic game include the player's own HP (hit points), the current enemy's HP (hit points), the player's own special move gauge, the final enemy's HP (hit points), the initial placement and appearance probability of specified objects (e.g., ally objects, enemy objects, HP recovery objects), etc.

[0046] 7(c) shows example items of the linked data. The linked data is data provided from the game management system 40 to the distribution management system 50. As illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the link data includes "accumulation display data" for displaying an accumulation display, and "power display data" for displaying a power display. In this embodiment, the "accumulation display" indicates the amount of accumulated data, and the "power display" indicates the proportion of participants in each participation category.

[0047] [2-6. Event Implementation Procedures] Figure 8 shows the event implementation procedure. The game management system 40 implements a group event according to the following procedure. [Step 1] An event host registration request is received from game terminal 10a (S810), and the event is registered (S820). Here, an event ID is issued, event-related information (FIG. 3(b)) is registered, and the "host mode flag" (FIG. 3(a)) is updated. Then, game terminal 10a is notified that host registration has been completed (S830). The notification includes the event ID. After the event is registered, acceptance of participation data begins. Acceptance of participation data may begin at the start of the live broadcast or before the start of the live broadcast (for example, immediately after the event is registered). The event ID is also provided to potential event participants via distribution management system 50 and / or another existing SNS. [Step 2] An event participation registration request is received from game terminal 10b (S840), and participants are registered (S850). The participation registration request includes the event ID. Game terminal 10b is then notified that participation registration has been completed (S860).

[0048] [Step 3] Participation data (FIG. 7(a)) is acquired from game terminal 10b (S870). The participation data includes "progress data" and "section data." [Step 4] The statistical information (Fig. 3(c)) is updated (S880). Specifically, first, the purpose of participation and the change mode indicated by the "category data" are identified by referring to the category definition information (Fig. 3(d)). Next, the numerical value indicated by the "progress data" is added to the points corresponding to the identified category (Fig. 3(c)). In addition, 1 is added (incremented) to the number of people corresponding to the identified category (Fig. 3(c)), and 1 is subtracted (decremented) from the number of people corresponding to the category indicated by the "category data" included in the previous participation data of the same participant (Fig. 3(c)).

[0049] [Step 5] The progress control data (FIG. 7(b)) is provided to the game terminal 10a (S890). In this embodiment, the progress control data to be reflected immediately is generated according to the accumulated data ("immediate support points" and "immediate disruption points"), and is continuously provided unilaterally from the game management system 40 to the game terminal 10a (push type). A request may be received from the game terminal 10a at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.), and the progress control data to be reflected immediately may be provided as a response to the request (pull type). Also, in this embodiment, each time the accumulated amount of the accumulated data ("accumulated support points" and "accumulated disruption points") reaches an "accumulation reflection threshold" (FIG. 3(b)), progress control data to be reflected in the accumulation is generated according to the threshold, and is provided unilaterally from the game management system 40 to the game terminal 10a (push type). After the data has been provided, points equivalent to the threshold are subtracted from the "accumulated support points" and "accumulated disruption points."

[0050] [2-7. Example of distribution data display] In addition, in parallel with the event implementation procedure (FIG. 8), the game management system 40 extracts linkage data at a predetermined cycle and provides it to the distribution management system 50. Specifically, it extracts "accumulated display data" ("accumulated assisting points" and "accumulated obstructing points") and "power display data" ("instant assisting number of people", "accumulated assisting number of people", "instant obstructing number of people", and "accumulated obstructing number of people") from the storage device 54, respectively. The distribution management system 50 generates distribution data (game commentary video) in which the latest linked data is sequentially reflected in the registered data acquired from the recording terminal 20, and distributes the data to the viewing terminal 30 live (streaming).

[0051] FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen display on a viewing terminal. The display screen 900 includes an area 910 where the game screen is displayed, an area 920 where an image of the organizer or an avatar representing the organizer is displayed, and an area 930 where the latest status of the group event is visualized. In the area 930, a display area 931 for the power display that reflects the "power display data" and a display area 932 for the accumulation display that reflects the "accumulation display data" are arranged. Participants view display screen 900 (particularly area 930) displayed on viewing terminal 30, and then select or change the purpose of participation or the change mode as desired to participate in the group event.

[0052] [3. Modifications] In the above embodiment, the distribution management system 50, which receives linked data from the game management system 40, generates distribution data (game commentary video) in which the latest linked data is sequentially reflected in the registration data obtained from the recording terminal 20, and live-distributes (streams) it to the viewing terminal 30. In contrast to this, the recording terminal 20a, which receives the linkage data from the game management system 40a, may generate registration data that sequentially reflects the latest linkage data and provide it to the distribution management system 50a, which may then live-distribute (stream) the registration data as distribution data (game commentary video) without any special processing to the viewing terminal 30. The advantage of this configuration is that an existing video distribution system can be used as is.

[0053] [3-1. Variations of network configuration] FIG. 10 shows an example of a network configuration of a modified system. The system of this modified example includes game terminals 10 (10a, 10b), a recording terminal 20a, a viewing terminal 30, a game management system 40a, and a distribution management system 50a. The game management system 40a includes a user management server 41 (an example of an "information processing device"), a data management server 42, and a storage device 43. The distribution management system 50a includes a registration server 51, a distribution server 53, and a storage device 54, but does not include a processing server 52.

[0054] [3-2. Variations of functional configuration] FIG. 11 shows examples of the functional configurations of the game management system and the distribution management system. The functions of the game management system 40 a are shared among a user management server 41 , a data management server 42 , and a storage device 43 . The functions of the distribution management system 50a are shared by a registration server 51, a distribution server 53, and a storage device 54. The recording terminal 20a has a processing function equivalent to the processing unit 614 (processing server 52).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the distribution management system 50a includes a registration unit 611, a distribution data storage unit 615, and a distribution unit 616. Of these, the registration unit 611 is configured to include the registration server 51. The distribution unit 616 is configured to include the distribution server 53. The distribution data storage unit 615 is configured to include the storage device . The registration unit 611 acquires the registration data from the recording terminal 20 a and stores it in the distribution data storage unit 615 . The distribution unit 616 distributes the distribution data stored in the distribution data storage unit 615 to the viewing terminal 30 by streaming.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 11, the game management system 40a includes an acquisition unit 621, a storage unit 622, a provision unit 623, and a linking unit 624. Of these, the acquisition unit 621 and the provision unit 623 are configured to include the user management server 41. The accumulation unit 622 is configured to include the data management server 42 and the storage device 43. The linking unit 624 is configured to include the user management server 41 or a server device (not shown).

[0057] Acquisition unit 621 acquires participation data from game terminal 10b and causes accumulation unit 622 to accumulate the data. Providing unit 623 generates progress control data from the accumulated data (statistical information) accumulated in accumulation unit 622, and provides the data to game terminal 10a. The linking unit 624 extracts linking data from the accumulated data (statistical information) accumulated in the accumulation unit 622, and provides the linking data to the recording terminal 20a.

[0058] The recording terminal 20 a has a processing function corresponding to the processing unit 614 . Specifically, the recording data (video and audio) is combined with the linking data obtained from the linking unit 624 to generate registration data, which is then registered in the distribution management system 50a. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1,1a,1b Game terminal 2. Recording device 3. Distribution Management System 4 Viewing devices 5. Game Management System 10, 10a, 10b Game terminal 20,20a Recording terminal 30 Viewing Devices 40,40a Game Management System 41 User Management Server 42 Data Management Server 43 Storage device 50,50a Distribution Management System 51 Registration Server 52 Processing Server 53 Distribution Server 54 Storage device 60 Communication Network

Claims

1. an acquisition means for accepting participation from a plurality of participant terminals executing a second game to assist or interfere with the progress of the first game while a first game is being executed on a host terminal, and acquiring progress data indicating the progress of the second game from the plurality of participant terminals; a providing means for providing the organizer terminal with progress control data for controlling the progress of the first game in accordance with statistical information updated based on progress data acquired from participant terminals participating to assist in the progress of the first game and progress data acquired from participant terminals participating to disrupt the progress of the first game; An information processing device comprising:

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution unit that distributes display data that displays the respective influences of the number of participant terminals participating in disrupting the progress of the first game and the number of participant terminals participating in disrupting the progress of the first game.

3. While a first game is being executed on a host terminal, participation is accepted from a plurality of participant terminals that are executing a second game to assist or interfere with the progress of the first game, and progress data indicating the progress of the second game is acquired by a computer from the plurality of participant terminals; An information processing method in which a computer provides the organizer terminal with progress control data that controls the progress of the first game in accordance with statistical information updated based on progress data obtained from participant terminals participating to assist in the progress of the first game and progress data obtained from participant terminals participating to disrupt the progress of the first game.

4. an acquisition function that, while a first game is being executed on a host terminal, accepts participation from a plurality of participant terminals that are executing a second game to assist or interfere with the progress of the first game, and acquires progress data indicating the progress of the second game from the plurality of participant terminals; A program for causing a computer to realize a function of providing progress control data to the organizer terminal that controls the progress of the first game in accordance with statistical information updated based on progress data obtained from participant terminals participating to assist in the progress of the first game and progress data obtained from participant terminals participating to disrupt the progress of the first game.

Images