GAME DEVICE, SERVER DEVICE, GAME DEVICE PROGRAM, SERVER DEVICE PROGRAM, GAME DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, SERVER DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM

Abstract

To enable a game executed in a game device to be actually experienced.SOLUTION: A control program PGS of a moving image distribution server 50 capable of communicating with a game device 10 for executing a baseball game and generating display game moving image information JDG indicating a moving image on a baseball game causes a processor 5001 of the moving image distribution server 50 to function as: a distribution moving image information generation unit 511 for generating distribution game moving image information JDH indicating a distribution game moving image DH based on the display game moving image information JDG; and a game reproduction information generation unit 512 for generating game reproduction information JGG for enabling a baseball game reproduction play in a baseball game progress state in a terminal device 70 that indicates the baseball game progress state in the game device 10, and enables the distribution game moving image DH to be viewed on the basis of the distribution game moving image information JDH generated by the distribution moving image information generation unit 511.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device, a server device, a program for a game device, a program for a server device, a method for controlling a game device, a method for controlling a server device, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed relating to an information processing system that includes a game device that runs a game and generates video information showing video related to the game, and that enables a distributed video based on the video information generated on the game device to be viewed on a terminal device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-134409 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, a problem occurs in that a user of a terminal device can only view the distributed video on the terminal device, but cannot actually play the game being executed on the game device. Therefore, in the conventional technology, as an example, a problem may occur in that a user of a terminal device cannot experience a game in the same situation as a user who plays the game on the game device. Therefore, in the conventional technology, as an example, a problem may occur in that a user of a terminal device cannot grasp the skill level of a user who plays a game on the game device, or the difficulty level of a game being executed on the game device, etc.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of the problems to be solved is to provide a technique that enables a user to actually experience a game being executed on a game device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicative of a video related to the game, and is characterized in that it causes a processor of the server device to function as a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicative of a distributed video based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicative of the progress of the game on the game device and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress on a terminal device on which the distributed video can be viewed based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0007] Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicative of a video related to the game, characterized in that the program causes a processor of the server device to function as a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicative of a distributed video based on the video information, and a supply unit that, in a terminal device that indicates the progress of the game on the game device and is capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit, acquires reproduction information from the game device to enable a re-play of the game at the progress of the game, and supplies the acquired reproduction information to the terminal device.

[0008] Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor of a game device to function as a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information that indicates a video related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information that indicates the progress of the game on the game device and enables a reproduction of the play of the game at the progress on a terminal device on which distributed video based on the video information can be viewed.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a processor of a game device to function as a game control unit that executes a game, and the game control unit indicates the progress of the game on the game device, enables a video related to the game to be viewed on a terminal device, and generates reproduction information for enabling a reproduction of play of the game at the progress status on the terminal device.

[0010] Furthermore, a server device according to one aspect of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and is characterized in that it comprises: a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating a distributed video based on the video information; and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device, and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device on which the distributed video can be viewed based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0011] In addition, a game device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information that indicates a video related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information that indicates the progress of the game on the game device and enables a reproduction of the play of the game at the progress on a terminal device on which distributed video based on the video information can be viewed.

[0012] Furthermore, a control method for a server device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicative of a video related to the game, characterized in that a processor of the server device is caused to function as a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicative of a distributed video based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicative of a progress status of the game on the game device and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0013] Furthermore, a control method for a game device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a processor of the game device functions as a game control unit that executes a game and generates moving image information indicating a moving image related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing distributed moving images based on the moving image information.

[0014] Furthermore, an information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is a game system comprising a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and a server device capable of communicating with the game device, the game system further comprising a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating a distributed video based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device, the reproduction information enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys. [Diagram 3] 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the display game video image DG-1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the outline of the display game moving image DG-2. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of an edited game video DE. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a game video DH for distribution. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a reenacted play video DS. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a game video DH for distribution. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game device 10. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a game device 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving image distribution server 50. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a moving image distribution server 50. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 70. [Figure 15] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device 70. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of pitcher list information J1. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of batter list information J2. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of pitch information J3. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of game progress information J4. [Figure 20] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a game reproduction management information table TBL1. [Figure 21]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of game reproduction information JGG. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a terminal characteristic information table TBL2. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a reproduction play result information table TBL3. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the moving image distribution server 50. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the moving image distribution server 50. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys-A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game device 10A. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving image distribution server 50A. [Figure 29] 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of an operation of the information processing system Sys-A. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys-B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game device 10B. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game management server 40. [Diagram 33] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the game management server 40. FIG. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal device 70B. [Diagram 35] 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of an outline of an operation of the information processing system Sys-B. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an outline of a game video for distribution DH according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving image distribution server 50C. [Figure 38]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game device 10C. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a moving image distribution server 50D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the dimensions and scale of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. In addition, the embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention, and therefore various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present invention is limited.

[0017] [1. First embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0018] [1.1. Overview of information processing system] 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the overview of the information processing system Sys will be described with reference to FIG.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system Sys includes a game system SysG including a plurality of game devices 10-1 to 10-M capable of playing a baseball game (one example of a "game"), a plurality of display devices 20-1 to 20-M provided corresponding to the plurality of game devices 10-1 to 10-M, and a video editing device 30 capable of communicating with the game devices 10 via a network NW. Here, the value M is a natural number of 2 or more. Hereinafter, the m-th game device 10 among the plurality of game devices 10-1 to 10-M may be referred to as the game device 10-m. Hereinafter, the value m is a natural number satisfying 1≦m≦M. Also, below, the m-th display device 20 among the plurality of display devices 20-1 to 20-M may be referred to as the display device 20-m.

[0020] In this embodiment, the case where the game device 10 is a home game device is assumed as an example. However, any information processing device can be adopted as the game device 10. For example, the game device 10 may be a commercial game device installed in a store or amusement facility, a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone, or a stationary information device such as a personal computer.

[0021] 1, the information processing system Sys includes a video distribution server 50 (one example of a "server device") capable of communicating with the game system SysG via the network NW, and a plurality of terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N capable of communicating with the video distribution server 50 via the network NW. Here, the value N is a natural number of 2 or more. Hereinafter, the nth terminal device 70 among the plurality of terminal devices 70-1 to 70-N may be referred to as the terminal device 70-n. Here, the value n is a natural number satisfying 1≦n≦N.

[0022] The terminal device 70 may be any information processing device that can be connected to the network NW, such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a personal computer.

[0023] In this embodiment, the game device 10-m can display, on a display unit 21-m provided in a display device 20-m corresponding to the game device 10-m, a moving image related to a baseball game being executed on the game device 10-m. Hereinafter, the video relating to the baseball game that the game device 10-m causes to be displayed on the display unit 21-m will be referred to as a display game video DG-m. In this embodiment, the display game video DG-m may be a display still image GG-m that is updated every unit period (for example, every 1 / 60th of a second). Here, the display still image GG-m is a still image that is displayed on the display unit 21-m in each unit period.

[0024] In this embodiment, among the multiple game devices 10-1 to 10-M, one game device 10 can communicate with the other game devices 10 via the network NW. Specifically, one game device 10 transmits information about a baseball game being executed on the one game device 10 to the other game devices 10. In addition, the other game devices 10 transmit information about a baseball game being executed on the one game device 10 to the one game device 10. Therefore, a user Ug of one game device 10 and a user Ug of the other game device 10 can play a match related to a baseball game.

[0025] In the following, as an example, a case is assumed in which a user Ug-1 of the game device 10-1 and a user Ug-2 of the game device 10-2 play a match related to a baseball game. In addition, in the following, as an example, a baseball team used by the user Ug-1 of the game device 10-1 in the baseball game is referred to as a baseball team T1, and a baseball team used by the user Ug-2 of the game device 10-2 in the baseball game is referred to as a baseball team T2. In addition, in the following, for convenience of explanation, a value m is explained as a natural number satisfying 1≦m≦2.

[0026] [1.2. Operation of information processing system] An example of the outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0027] 2 and 3 are sequence charts for explaining an example of an outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys according to the present embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the operation of the information processing system Sys is illustrated when a user Ug-1 of the game device 10-1 and a user Ug-2 of the game device 10-2 play a baseball game.

[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, when a user Ug-1 of a game device 10-1 and a user Ug-2 of a game device 10-2 play a baseball game, each game device 10-m executes a game start process (S10). Specifically, as a game start process in step S10, game device 10-1 and game device 10-2 perform processes necessary for user Ug-1 of game device 10-1 and user Ug-2 of game device 10-2 to start a match related to a baseball game, such as establishing communication between game device 10-1 and game device 10-2, and causing game device 10-1 to share information on baseball team T1 used by user Ug-1 of game device 10-1 in a baseball game with game device 10-2, and also causing game device 10-2 to share information on baseball team T2 used by user Ug-2 of game device 10-2 in a baseball game with game device 10-1.

[0029] Next, each game device 10-m supplies the game basic information JK-m to the moving image distribution server 50 (S11). Here, the game basic information JK-m is information including information commonly used in the Q types of reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q]. The reproduction programs PG-R will be described later. The game basic information JK-m is information including information commonly used in generating a plurality of pieces of game reproduction information JGG when the plurality of pieces of game reproduction information JGG are generated during a baseball game. The game reproduction information JGG will be described later. Specifically, the game basic information JK-m includes, for example, pitcher list information J1, which is information about a pitcher character CP in the baseball team used by the user Ug-m in the baseball game, and batter list information J2, which is information about a batter character CB in the baseball team used by the user Ug-m in the baseball game. Details of the pitcher list information J1 and the batter list information J2 will be described later.

[0030] Next, the game device 10-m supplies the reproduction program PG-R to the moving image distribution server 50 (S12). Here, the reproduction program PG-R is a program for reproducing, in the terminal device 70, a portion of a match related to a baseball game that relates to a match between a pitcher character CP and a batter character CB, and enabling the user Ut of the terminal device 70 to experience the match. Note that, hereinafter, reproducing, in the terminal device 70, a portion of a match related to a baseball game, such as a portion of a match related to a pitcher character CP and a batter character CB, may be referred to as a "reproduced play."

[0031] Next, the game device 10-m executes the baseball game and progresses the match related to the baseball game (S13). Specifically, in step S13, the game device 10-m first acquires operation information JM indicating the operation content of the game device 10-m by the user Ug-m. Next, in step S13, the game device 10-m generates game progress information JS indicating the situation of the virtual space Fd related to the baseball game based on the operation information JM. Here, the situation of the virtual space Fd related to the baseball game is, for example, one or both of the situation of various characters existing in the virtual space Fd related to the baseball game and the situation of various objects existing in the virtual space Fd related to the baseball game. Among these, the situation of the character is, for example, a part or all of the position, posture, action, moving direction, moving speed, etc. of the character in the virtual space Fd. Also, the situation of the object is, for example, a part or all of the position, posture, action, moving direction, moving speed, etc. of the object in the virtual space Fd.

[0032] Next, the game device 10-m captures the virtual space Fd related to the baseball game with a virtual camera installed in the virtual space Fd, thereby generating a display game video DG-m including a display still image GG-m that is updated every unit time, and supplies display game video information JDG-m (an example of "video information"), which is information indicating the generated display game video DG-m, to the video editing device 30 (S14). Here, the display game video information JDG-m may be information showing in real time the display still image GG-m that is updated every unit time, or information showing a collection of multiple display still images GG-m that correspond one-to-one to multiple unit periods, or information to which audio related to a baseball game has been added.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a display game video DG-1 generated by game device 10-1, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an outline of a display game video DG-2 generated by game device 10-2.

[0034] 4 and 5, the game video for display DG-m shows a batter character CB-1 operated by a user Ug-1 and a pitcher character CP-2 operated by a user Ug-2 in the virtual space Fd. Specifically, the game video for display DG-m shows a state in which the pitcher character CP-2 pitches a ball object OBL based on the operation of the user Ug-2, and a state in which the batter character CB-1 hits back the ball object OBL with a bat object OBT based on the operation of the user Ug-1, in the virtual space Fd.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the video editing device 30 generates an edited game video DE, which is a video relating to the baseball game being played on game device 10-1 and game device 10-2, based on the display game video information JDG-1 supplied from game device 10-1 and the display game video information JDG-2 supplied from game device 10-2, and supplies the edited game video information JDE, which is information indicating the edited game video DE, to the video distribution server 50 (S15). Here, the edited game video DE may be a video generated based on multiple pieces of game video information for display JDG-m supplied from game device 10-1 and game device 10-2, or it may be a video generated based on a single piece of game video information for display JDG-m supplied from one of game devices 10-1 and 10-2, game device 10-m. In this embodiment, the edited game video DE may be an edited still image GE that is updated every unit time. Here, the edited still image GE may be an image including the same still image as the display still image GG-m indicated by the display game video information JDG-m, or an image including a still image with a changed resolution of the display still image GG-m indicated by the display game video information JDG-m. The edited game video DE may be information indicating the edited still image GE updated every unit period in real time, information indicating a set of multiple edited still images GE that correspond one-to-one to multiple unit periods, or information to which sounds related to a baseball game are added.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the outline of the edited game video DE generated by the video editing device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the edited game video DE includes a display game video DG-m. In this embodiment, the video editing device 30 selects one of the display game video DG-1 and the display game video DG-2 during each period in which a baseball game is being played, and generates an edited game video DE based on the selected display game video DG-m. In this embodiment, the edited game video DE includes a user-captured video DU-m that is a video of a user Ug-m, a user name image GN-m that is an image showing the name of the user Ug-m, a team name image GT-m that is an image showing the name of the baseball team used by the user Ug-m in a baseball game, and a score image GP-m that is an image showing the score of the baseball team in the baseball game.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the video distribution server 50 generates a game video for distribution DH (an example of a "distribution video"), which is a video relating to the baseball game being executed on the game devices 10-1 and 10-2, based on the edited game video information JDE supplied from the video editing device 30, and supplies game video information for distribution JDH (an example of "distribution information"), which is information indicating the game video for distribution DH, to the terminal device 70 (S16). Here, the game video for distribution DH may be a still image for distribution GH that is updated every unit time. Here, the still image for distribution GH may be an image including the same still image as the edited still image GE indicated by the edited game video information JDE, or an image including a still image with a changed resolution of the edited still image GE indicated by the edited game video information JDE. In addition, the game video for distribution DH may be information indicating the still image for distribution GH updated every unit period in real time, information indicating a set of multiple still images for distribution GH that correspond one-to-one to multiple unit periods, or information to which sounds related to a baseball game are added.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an outline of the game moving image DH for distribution generated by the moving image distribution server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the game video for distribution DH is a video in which a replay request button BP is added to an edited game video DE.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the game device 10-m supplies the game progress status information JG-m to the moving image distribution server 50 (S17). Here, the game progress status information JG-m is information necessary for executing a replay in the terminal device 70. More specifically, the game progress status information JG-m may be, for example, information obtained by extracting a state of the virtual space Fd related to the replay from the state of the virtual space Fd indicated by the game progress information JS. In the present embodiment, it is assumed, as an example, that the game progress status information JG-m includes pitch information J3 indicating the content of a pitch by the pitcher character CP.

[0042] Then, when the user Ut-n of the terminal device 70-n presses a replay request button BP displayed on the game video for distribution DH, the terminal device 70-n supplies a replay request Req indicating a request to execute a replay on the terminal device 70-n to the video distribution server 50 (S18). Note that, although details will be described later, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the replay request Req includes terminal characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the terminal device 70-n.

[0043] Next, when the video distribution server 50 receives a replay request Req from the terminal device 70-n, the video distribution server 50 supplies the terminal device 70-n with game replay information JGG (an example of "replay information"), which is information for executing a replay on the terminal device 70-n (S19). Thereafter, the terminal device 70-n executes a replay based on the game replay information JGG (S20).

[0044] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an outline of a replay video DS displayed on the display unit 76-n provided on the terminal device 70-n when the terminal device 70-n is executing a replay.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the reproduced play video DS shows, in a virtual space Fd, a pitcher character CP pitching a ball object OBL based on the operation of a user Ug-m of a game device 10-m, and a batter character CB hitting back the ball object OBL using a bat object OBT based on the operation of a user Ut-n of a terminal device 70-n.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal device 70-n supplies the replay result information JSG (an example of "result information") indicating the result of the replay executed on the terminal device 70-n to the video distribution server 50 (S21).

[0047] After that, the information processing system Sys repeatedly executes the processes of steps S14 to S21 until the baseball game ends.

[0048] In addition, when the video distribution server 50 acquires the replay play result information JSG from the terminal device 70, it may generate a replay play result image GK showing the result of the replay on the terminal device 70-n based on the replay play result information JSG, and incorporate the generated replay play result image GK into the game video DH for distribution. In addition, when the video distribution server 50 acquires multiple pieces of replay play result information JSG corresponding to multiple terminal devices 70 from the multiple terminal devices 70, it may generate a replay play result image GK showing the results of the replay on the multiple terminal devices 70 based on the multiple pieces of replay play result information JSG, and incorporate the generated replay play result image GK into the game video DH for distribution. Furthermore, when the video distribution server 50 acquires from a plurality of terminal devices 70 a plurality of pieces of replay play result information JSG corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices 70, the video distribution server 50 may generate a replay play result image GK showing the results of the replay in the plurality of terminal devices 70 and the result of the replay in one of the plurality of terminal devices 70 based on the plurality of pieces of replay play result information JSG, and may incorporate the generated replay play result image GK into the game video for distribution DH supplied to the one terminal device 70.

[0049] Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the outline of a game video DH for distribution in which a reproduced play result image GK is incorporated. Note that Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a game video DH for distribution displayed on a display unit 76-n provided on a terminal device 70-n among the multiple terminal devices 70 when the video distribution server 50 acquires multiple pieces of reproduced play result information JSG from multiple terminal devices 70.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the replay result image GK incorporated in the game video DH for distribution includes a plurality of replay individual result images GKK. In the example shown in Fig. 9, it is assumed that the replay result image GK includes a replay individual result image GKK1 showing the number of terminal devices 70 whose replay result was a "strike" relative to the number of terminal devices 70 whose replay result was a "hit" relative to the number of terminal devices 70 whose replay result was a "home run" relative to the number of terminal devices 70 whose replay result was a "home run" relative to the number of terminal devices 70 whose replay result was a "home run". In this embodiment, the video distribution server 50 is assumed to highlight a reproduced play individual result image GKK corresponding to the result of a reproduced play in a terminal device 70-n to which the game video DH is supplied, among a plurality of reproduced play individual result images GKK included in the reproduced play result image GK incorporated in the game video DH for distribution. In the example shown in Fig. 9, it is assumed that the result of the reproduced play in the terminal device 70-n is "hit". Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the reproduced play individual result image GKK2 indicating the number of terminal devices 70 for which the result of the reproduced play is "hit" is highlighted compared to the reproduced play individual result image GKK1 and the reproduced play individual result image GKK3.

[0051] [1.3. Functions of information processing systems] Hereinafter, functions of the game device 10, the video distribution server 50, and the terminal device 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the game device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls each part of the game device 10, a memory unit 13 that stores various information, an operation unit 14 for accepting operations by a user Ug of the game device 10, and a communication unit 15 for executing communication with an external device located outside the game device 10.

[0054] 10, the control unit 11 includes a game control unit 111. The game control unit 111 includes a game progress information generation unit 112 and a display video information generation unit 113. Of these, the game progress information generation unit 112 generates game progress information JS based on operation information JM that indicates the operation of the game device 10 by the user Ug received by the operation unit 14. The game progress information generation unit 112 also generates pitching information J3 based on the game progress information JS. The game progress information generation unit 112 also generates game progress information J4 that indicates the progress of a match related to a baseball game. The game progress information generation unit 112 then generates game progress information JG that includes the pitching information J3 and the game progress information J4. Furthermore, the display video information generation unit 113 generates display game video information JDG based on the game progress information JS generated by the game progress information generation unit 112.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the memory unit 13 stores pitcher list information J1, batter list information J2, pitch information J3, game progress information J4, and a control program PGG for controlling each part of the game device 10. Moreover, the storage unit 13 stores Q kinds of reproduction programs PG-R. In this embodiment, the value Q is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. However, the value Q may be "1". In the following, the q-th reproduction program PG-R among the Q kinds of reproduction programs PG-R may be expressed as the reproduction program PG-R[q]. In this embodiment, the information processing system Sys supplies the reproduction program PG-R[q] corresponding to the characteristics of the terminal device 70 among the Q kinds of reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q] to the terminal device 70. Here, the characteristics of the terminal device 70 are a concept including one or both of the characteristics of the terminal device 70 related to the reproduction method of the reproduction program PG-R and the characteristics of the terminal device 70 related to the reproduction accuracy of the reproduction program PG-R. Specifically, the characteristics of terminal device 70 include some or all of the following: the type of operating system that terminal device 70 has, the type of browser that terminal device 70 has, the processing performance of processor 7001 that terminal device 70 has, and the storage capacity of storage device 7003 that terminal device 70 has.

[0056] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the game device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the game device 10 includes a processor 1001 that controls each part of the game device 10, a storage device 1003 that stores various information, an operation device 1004 for accepting operations by a user Ug of the game device 10, and a communication device 1005 for communicating with an external device located outside the game device 10. Of these, the storage device 1003 includes one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a working area for the processor 1001, and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that stores various information such as the control program PGG, and provides the function of a storage unit 13. The processor 1001 is configured to include, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor 1001 executes a control program PGG stored in the storage device 1003 and operates according to the control program PGG to function as the control unit 11. The processor 1001 may be configured to include hardware such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) in addition to the one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 11 realized by the processor 1001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. The operation device 1004 is, for example, an operation button, and provides a function as an operation unit 14 that accepts operations by a user Ug of the game device 10. The operation device 1004 may be configured with one or more devices including, for example, an operation button, a touch panel, a keyboard, a joystick, and a part or all of a pointing device such as a mouse. The communication device 1005 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the game device 10 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 15 .

[0058] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the moving image distribution server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the video distribution server 50 includes a control unit 51 that controls each unit of the video distribution server 50, a memory unit 53 that stores various information, and a communication unit 55 for performing communication between the video distribution server 50 and an external device located outside the video distribution server 50.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 51 includes a distribution video information generation unit 511 and a game reproduction information generation unit 512. Of these, the distribution video information generation unit 511 (an example of a "distribution information generation unit") generates distribution game video information JDH based on the edited game video information JDE. In addition, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 (an example of a "reproduction information generation unit") generates game reproduction information JGG based on the game basic information JK-m, the game progress status information JG-m, and the reproduction program PG-R.

[0061] 12, storage unit 53 stores pitcher list information J1, batter list information J2, game reproduction management information table TBL1, terminal characteristics information table TBL2, reproduction play result information table TBL3, control program PGS for controlling each unit of video distribution server 50, and Q types of reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q]. Note that game reproduction management information table TBL1, terminal characteristics information table TBL2, and reproduction play result information table TBL3 will be described later.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the moving image distribution server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the video distribution server 50 includes a processor 5001 that controls each part of the video distribution server 50, a storage device 5003 that stores various information, and a communication device 5005 for communicating with an external device located outside the video distribution server 50. Of these, the storage device 5003 includes one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 5001 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PGS, and provides the function of a storage unit 53. The processor 5001 includes, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 5001 executes a control program PGS stored in the storage device 5003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGS, thereby functioning as the control unit 51. The processor 5001 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, a DSP, or an FPGA in addition to one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 51 realized by the processor 5001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. In addition, the communication device 5005 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the video distribution server 50 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of a communication unit 55.

[0064] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 70. As shown in FIG.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the terminal device 70 includes a control unit 71 that controls each part of the terminal device 70, a memory unit 73 that stores various information, an operation unit 74 that accepts operations of a user Ut of the terminal device 70, a communication unit 75 for performing communication with an external device located outside the terminal device 70, and a display unit 76 that displays various images.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 71 includes a distribution game video playback unit 711 and a replay execution unit 712. Of these, the distribution game video playback unit 711 displays the distribution game video DH on the display unit 76 based on the distribution game video information JDH. Further, the replay executing section 712 executes the replay based on the game replay information JGG.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the storage unit 73 stores a control program PGT for controlling each unit of the terminal device 70, and a reproduction program PG-R[q] corresponding to the terminal device 70.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 70. As shown in FIG.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the terminal device 70 includes a processor 7001 that controls each part of the terminal device 70, a storage device 7003 that stores various information, a communication device 7005 for communicating with an external device outside the terminal device 70, and a touch panel 7004 that displays various images and accepts operations by a user Ut of the terminal device 70. Of these, the memory device 7003 includes either or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 7001 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PGT, and provides the function of a memory unit 73. The processor 7001 is configured to include, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 7001 executes a control program PGT stored in the storage device 7003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGT, thereby functioning as a game video playback unit 711 for distribution. The processor 7001 executes a reproduction program PG-R[q] and a control program PGT stored in the storage device 7003 and operates in accordance with the reproduction program PG-R[q] and the control program PGT, thereby functioning as a reproduction play execution unit 712. The processor 7001 may be configured to include hardware such as a GPU, a DSP, or an FPGA in addition to one or more CPUs, or in place of a part or all of the one or more CPUs. In this case, a part or all of the control unit 71 realized by the processor 7001 may be realized by hardware such as a DSP. The communication device 7005 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the terminal device 70 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 75 . The touch panel 7004 also functions as a display unit 76 capable of displaying various images, and also functions as an operation unit 74 that accepts operations from the user Ut of the terminal device 70.

[0070] [1.4. Data existing in information processing systems] Various types of data present in the information processing system Sys will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0071] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of pitcher list information J1. Note that pitcher list information J1 is information that is determined in advance before the start of a baseball game.

[0072] 16, the pitcher list information J1 has a number of records that correspond one-to-one to a number of pitcher characters CP that appear in a match related to a baseball game. Each record in the pitcher list information J1 includes a pitcher ID and pitcher information. Here, the pitcher ID is information for identifying each pitcher character CP from among a plurality of pitcher characters CP appearing in a match related to a baseball game. Furthermore, pitcher information includes, for example, pitcher basic information and pitcher skill information. Among these, the pitcher basic information includes, for example, pitcher name information indicating the name of the pitcher character CP and pitcher image information indicating the image of the pitcher character CP. Also, the pitcher skill information includes information indicating the level of the pitcher character CP's ability to pitch the ball object OBL. Specifically, the pitcher skill information includes, for example, standard ball speed information indicating the standard ball speed of the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP, pitch type information indicating the level of the pitching ability of the pitcher character CP with respect to each pitch type that the pitcher character CP can pitch, and control information indicating the level of the pitcher character CP's ability to control the ball object OBL when pitching.

[0073] 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the batter list information J2. Note that the batter list information J2 is information that is determined in advance before the start of a baseball game.

[0074] 17, the batter list information J2 has a number of records that correspond one-to-one to a number of batter characters CB that appear in a baseball game. Each record in the batter list information J2 includes a batter ID and batter information. Here, the batter ID is information for identifying each batter character CB from among a plurality of batter characters CB appearing in a match related to a baseball game. Furthermore, batter information is information that includes, for example, batter basic information and batter skill information. Among these, the batter basic information includes, for example, batter name information indicating the name of the batter character CB, and batter image information indicating the image of the batter character CB. Also, the batter skill information includes information indicating the degree of the ability of the batter character CB to hit the ball object OBL. Specifically, the batter skill information includes, for example, batting power information indicating the degree of speed of the hit ball, which is the speed of the ball object OBL hit back when the batter character CB hits back the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP, meet ability information indicating the degree of the ability of the batter character CB to make the bat object OBT meet the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP, and base running ability information indicating the degree of the speed of the batter character CB's base running.

[0075] 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the pitching information J3. The pitching information J3 is information generated by the game progress information generating unit 112 based on operation information JM indicating the operation content and the pitcher list information J1 when the user Ug-m of the game device 10-m performs an operation to instruct the pitcher character CP to pitch the ball object OBL on the operation unit 14. Specifically, the game progress information generating unit 112 generates the pitching information J3 based on the pitching content of the pitcher character CP indicated by the operation information JM and the pitcher skill information of the pitcher character CP included in the pitcher list information J1.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the pitch information J3 includes, for example, a pitch ID and pitch content information. Among these, the pitch ID is information for identifying each pitch from among multiple pitches made by multiple pitcher characters CP in a match related to a baseball game. The pitch content information includes, for example, pitch speed information indicating the speed of the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP, pitch type information indicating the type of pitch pitched by the pitcher character CP, and pitch trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP. Here, the pitch trajectory information includes, for example, pitch course information indicating the position where the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP passes over the home base, and pitch course deviation amount information indicating the change in the course of the ball object OBL pitched by the pitcher character CP during flight.

[0077] 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the game progress information J4. Note that the game progress information J4 is information generated by the game progress information generating unit 112 when a user Ug-m of the game device 10-m performs an operation on the operating unit 14 to instruct the pitcher character CP to pitch the ball object OBL.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 19, the game progress information J4 includes, for example, pitch timing information, count information, score information, runner information, and opponent character identification information. Among these, the pitch timing information includes, for example, a pitch ID, game time information, and inning information. Here, the game time information is, for example, information indicating the elapsed time in a game from the start of a game related to a baseball game. Specifically, the game time information is, for example, information indicating the elapsed time in the game from the start of the game related to a baseball game to the pitcher character CP pitching in the game progress information J4. However, the game time information may be information indicating the elapsed time in the game from any time after the start of the baseball game and before the start of the game related to the baseball game to the pitcher character CP pitching in the game progress information J4. Also, the inning information is information indicating the inning in which the pitcher character CP pitches. In addition, the count information includes, for example, out count information indicating the out count when the pitcher character CP pitches, strike count information indicating the strike count when the pitcher character CP pitches, and ball count information indicating the ball count when the pitcher character CP pitches. Moreover, the score information is information indicating, for example, the score of baseball team T1 in the match related to the baseball game and the score of baseball team T2 in the match related to the baseball game. In addition, runner information is information indicating, for example, first base runner information indicating whether there is a runner on first base and, if there is a runner on first base, the runner's batter ID; second base runner information indicating whether there is a runner on second base and, if there is a runner on second base, the runner's batter ID; and third base runner information indicating whether there is a runner on third base and, if there is a runner on third base, the runner's batter ID. In addition, the opposing character identification information is information that includes, for example, pitcher information during pitching, which indicates the pitcher ID of the pitcher character CP when the pitcher character CP is about to pitch, and batter at bat information, which indicates the batter ID of the batter character CB who is at bat when the pitcher character CP is about to pitch.

[0079] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the game reproduction management information table TBL1.

[0080] In this embodiment, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 adds a record to the game reproduction management information table TBL1 when a pitch by the pitcher character CP in a match related to a baseball game satisfies the game reproduction condition. Here, the game reproduction condition is a condition related to the game progress information J4 corresponding to the pitch by the pitcher character CP. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the game reproduction condition is a condition in which some or all of the following first to fourth game reproduction conditions are satisfied. <First game reproduction condition> The condition is that the inning information in the game progress information J4 indicates "the number of innings after the 7th inning." <Second game reproduction condition> A condition in which the runner information in the game progress information J4 indicates that "there is a runner on second or third base." <Third Game Reproduction Condition> The condition is that the out count information in the game progress information J4 indicates "2 outs." <Fourth Game Reproduction Condition> The condition is that the strike count information in the game progress information J4 indicates "two strikes." In the following, a pitch that satisfies the game reproduction conditions, that is, a pitch that satisfies at least one of the first through fourth game reproduction conditions, is referred to as a pitch to be reproduced.

[0081] 20, the game replay management information table TBL1 has a plurality of records corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of pitches to be reproduced in a baseball game. Each record in the game replay management information table TBL1 includes a reproduction ID and game replay management information. Here, the reproduction ID is information for identifying each pitch to be reproduced from among a plurality of pitches to be reproduced in a baseball game. The game reproduction management information includes, for example, the above-mentioned game time information, opponent character identification information, and pitching information J3.

[0082] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the game reproduction information JGG. As described above, the game reproduction information JGG is information generated by the game reproduction information generation unit 512 when the video distribution server 50 receives a reproduction play request Req from the terminal device 70-n.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the game reproduction information JGG is information including, for example, the reproduction ID, game time information, and pitching information J3, reproduced play character information, and a reproduction program PG-R[q]. Of these, the reproduced play character information is information including, for example, the above-mentioned pitcher basic information, batter basic information, and batter skill information. As described above, in the terminal device 70 to which the game reproduction information JGG is supplied, the reproduction play video DS is displayed, thereby executing the reproduction play. Specifically, the reproduction play executing unit 712 of the terminal device 70 displays the pitcher character CP in the reproduction play video DS based on the pitcher basic information included in the game reproduction information JGG, displays the batter character CB based on the batter basic information included in the game reproduction information JGG, and further displays the ball object OBL based on the pitching content information included in the game reproduction information JGG. Then, the reproduction play executing unit 712 determines whether or not the ball object OBL can be hit back by the bat object OBT based on the operation content of the operation unit 74 by the user Ut of the terminal device 70 and the batter skill information included in the game reproduction information JGG. Furthermore, when the ball object OBL is hit back during a replay, the replay execution unit 712 determines the speed of the hit ball object OBL (hit ball) and the trajectory of the hit ball object OBL based on the operation content of the operation unit 74 by the user Ut of the terminal device 70 and the batter skill information included in the game replay information JGG.

[0084] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the terminal characteristic information table TBL2.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the video distribution server 50 receives a replay request Req from the terminal device 70, and the replay request Req is the first replay request Req from the terminal device 70 during the period when a match related to a baseball game is being played, the game replay information generation unit 512 adds a record to the terminal characteristic information table TBL2.

[0086] 22, the terminal characteristic information table TBL2 has a plurality of records corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of terminal devices 70 that have transmitted a replay request Req to the video distribution server 50 during a period in which a baseball game is being played. In the following, a terminal device 70 that has transmitted a replay request Req to the video distribution server 50 during a period in which a baseball game is being played may be referred to as a replay execution terminal. Each record in the terminal characteristic information table TBL2 includes a terminal ID and terminal characteristic information. Here, the terminal ID is information for identifying each re-play execution terminal from among a plurality of re-play execution terminals. As described above, the terminal characteristic information is information indicating the characteristics of the terminal device 70. In the present embodiment, as an example, the terminal characteristic information is information including OS type information indicating the type of operating system the terminal device 70 has, browser type information indicating the type of browser the terminal device 70 has, terminal processing speed information indicating the processing speed of the processor 7001 of the terminal device 70, and screen size information indicating the screen size of the display unit 76 of the terminal device 70.

[0087] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the reproduction play result information table TBL3. In this embodiment, when the moving image distribution server 50 receives the replay result information JSG from the terminal device 70, the game replay information generating unit 512 adds a record to the replay result information table TBL3.

[0088] 23, the replay play result information table TBL3 has a plurality of records that correspond one-to-one to a plurality of pieces of replay play result information JSG received by the video distribution server 50 from a plurality of replay execution terminals. Each record of the replay play result information table TBL3 includes a replay result ID and a piece of replay play result information JSG. Here, the reproduction result ID is information for identifying each piece of reproduction play result information JSG from among the multiple pieces of reproduction play result information JSG received by the moving image distribution server 50. In addition, the replay play result information JSG is information that includes, for example, a replay ID related to the replay corresponding to the replay play result information JSG, a terminal ID related to the terminal device 70 that transmitted the replay play result information JSG, and replay result information indicating the result of the replay corresponding to the replay play result information JSG.

[0089] [1.5. Video distribution server operation] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the operation of the moving image distribution server 50 when a baseball game is being played will be described.

[0090] 24 and 25 are flow charts showing an example of the operation of the moving image distribution server 50 when a baseball game is being played.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 24, when a baseball game is started on game device 10-1 and game device 10-2 and game basic information JK-m is transmitted from game device 10-m, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 acquires the game basic information JK-m (S100). In addition, when a baseball game is started on game device 10-1 and game device 10-2 and the reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q] are transmitted from game device 10-m, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 acquires the reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q] (S102).

[0092] Next, the distribution video information generating unit 511 determines whether or not edited game video information JDE has been supplied from the video editing device 30 (S104). If the result of the determination in step S104 is negative, distribution-purpose moving image information generation unit 511 advances the process to step S110. If the determination result in step S104 is positive, the distribution video information generation unit 511 acquires the edited game video information JDE supplied in step S104 (S106).

[0093] Then, the distribution video information generating unit 511 generates the distribution game video information JDH based on the edited game video information JDE acquired in step S106 (S108). Note that in this embodiment, the distribution game video information JDH may include game time information indicating the elapsed time in the baseball game from the start of the game.

[0094] Furthermore, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 determines whether or not the game progress status information JG-m has been supplied from the game device 10-m (S110). If the determination result in step S110 is negative, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 advances the process to step S120. If the determination result in step S110 is positive, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 acquires the game progress status information JG-m supplied in step S110 (S112).

[0095] Next, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 determines whether or not the game progress information J4 included in the game progress status information JG-m acquired in step S112 satisfies the game reproduction conditions (S114). If the result of the determination in step S114 is negative, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 advances the process to step S120. Note that if the result of the determination in step S114 is negative, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 may discard the game progress status information JG-m acquired in step S112. If the determination result in step S114 is positive, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 generates game reproduction management information based on the game basic information JK-m acquired in step S100 and the game progress status information JG-m acquired in step S112, and stores the generated game reproduction management information in the game reproduction management information table TBL1 (S116).

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 determines whether or not a reproduction play request Req has been supplied from the terminal device 70-n (S120). If the determination result in step S120 is negative, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 advances the process to step S130. If the determination result in step S120 is positive, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 acquires the terminal characteristic information included in the reproduction play request Req supplied from the terminal device 70-n in step S120 (S122).

[0097] Next, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 stores the terminal characteristic information acquired in step S122 in the terminal characteristic information table TBL2 (S124). Then, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 generates game reproduction information JGG based on the game basic information JK-m acquired in step S100, the game progress status information JG-m acquired in step S112, the game reproduction management information generated in step S116, and the terminal characteristic information acquired in step S122 (S126). Specifically, in step S126, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 selects a reproduction program PG-R[q] corresponding to the terminal characteristic information acquired in step S122 from among the reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q]. Then, in step S126, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 generates game reproduction information JGG including the selected reproduction program PG-R[q]. In this embodiment, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 generates the game reproduction information JGG based on the terminal characteristic information, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 may generate the game reproduction information JGG based on the operation of the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n instead of or in addition to the terminal characteristic information. For example, the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n may be able to specify the playback mode of the reproduced play video DS by operating the operation unit 74. Here, the playback mode of the reproduced play video DS is a concept including, for example, a part or all of the playback accuracy of the reproduced play video DS, the processing load imposed on the terminal device 70-n by playing the reproduced play video DS, and the communication load on the terminal device 70-n by playing the reproduced play video DS. In this case, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 may select a reproduction program PG-R[q] corresponding to the designated content from among the reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q] based on the designated content of the playback mode of the reproduced play video DS by the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n. In this case, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 may generate game reproduction information JGG including the selected reproduction program PG-R[q].

[0098] Next, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 supplies the game reproduction information JGG generated in step S126 to the terminal device 70-n that supplied the reproduction play request Req in step S120 (S128). Note that in this embodiment, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 supplies the game reproduction information JGG to the terminal device 70-n in step S128 so that the elapsed time indicated by the game time information included in the game reproduction information JGG is shorter than the elapsed time indicated by the game time information included in the game video information JDH for distribution. In other words, the game reproduction information generating unit 512 supplies the game reproduction information JGG to the terminal device 70-n in step S128 so that the portion of the game video video DH for distribution corresponding to the replay can be viewed on the terminal device 70-n after the timing when the terminal device 70-n becomes able to perform a replay based on the game reproduction information JGG. Therefore, the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n can execute the replay on the terminal device 70-n before learning the progress of the part of the baseball game executed on the game device 10-m that corresponds to the replay. This allows the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n to execute the replay under conditions similar to those of the user Ug who plays the baseball game on the game device 10-m, thereby increasing the interest of the replay.

[0099] Next, the distribution moving image information generating unit 511 determines whether or not reproduced play result information JSG has been supplied from the terminal device 70-n (S130). If the result of the determination in step S130 is negative, distribution moving image information generation unit 511 advances the process to step S138. If the result of the determination in step S130 is positive, the distribution moving image information generating unit 511 acquires the reproduced play result information JSG supplied from the terminal device 70-n (S132).

[0100] Next, the distribution moving image information generating unit 511 stores the replay play result information JSG acquired in step S132 in the replay play result information table TBL3 (S134). Then, the distribution video information generation unit 511 generates a re-enacted play result image GK based on the re-enacted play result information JSG acquired in step S134, and incorporates the generated re-enacted play result image GK into the distribution game video information JDH to be supplied to the terminal device 70-n (S136).

[0101] Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the baseball game is over (S138). If the determination result in step S138 is negative, the control unit 51 advances the process to step S104. If the determination result in step S138 is positive, the control unit 51 ends the process shown in FIGS.

[0102] [1.6. Conclusion of the first embodiment] As described above, the video distribution server 50 according to the present embodiment includes a game reproduction information generating unit 512 that generates game reproduction information JGG for enabling a replay on the terminal device 70-n. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 70-n is capable of viewing the game video DH for distribution based on the game video information JDH for distribution, and is also capable of executing a replay of a match related to a baseball game being executed on the game device 10-m based on the game reproduction information JGG. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n can actually experience a match related to a baseball game being executed on the game device 10-m. That is, according to the present embodiment, compared to a mode in which the terminal device 70-n is merely capable of viewing the game video DH for distribution but is unable to execute a replay related to a baseball game, the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n can easily grasp the skill level of the user Ug who plays the baseball game on the game device 10-m, and can easily grasp the difficulty level of the baseball game being executed on the game device 10-m.

[0103] [2. Second embodiment] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose actions and functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the game reproduction information JGG is generated in the video distribution server, whereas the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the game reproduction information JGG is generated in the game device.

[0105] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys-A according to the second embodiment.

[0106] As illustrated in Figure 26, the information processing system Sys-A is configured in the same manner as the information processing system Sys of the first embodiment, except that it has a game system SysG-A instead of the game system SysG, and has a video distribution server 50A instead of the video distribution server 50. Of these, the game system SysG-A has the same configuration as the game system SysG according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a game device 10A instead of the game device 10.

[0107] FIG. 27 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 10A.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the game device 10A is configured similarly to the game device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 11A instead of the control unit 11, and a memory unit 13A instead of the memory unit 13. Of these, the control unit 11A is configured similarly to the control unit 11 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a game reproduction information generating unit 512. The storage unit 13A is configured similarly to the storage unit 13 according to the first embodiment, except that it stores a game reproduction management information table TBL1, a terminal property information table TBL2, and a reproduction play result information table TBL3, and that it stores a control program PGG-A instead of the control program PGG.

[0109] In this embodiment, the processor 1001 executes a control program PGG-A stored in the storage device 1003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGG-A, thereby functioning as the control unit 11A.

[0110] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 11A provided in the game device 10A includes a game reproduction information generation unit 512 in addition to the game progress information generation unit 112 and the display moving image information generation unit 113. Also, in this embodiment, the storage unit 13A provided in the game device 10A stores the game reproduction management information table TBL1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 provided in the game device 10A can generate game reproduction information JGG based on the pitcher list information J1 and the batter list information J2 stored in the storage unit 13A, the pitch information J3 based on the game progress information JS generated by the game progress information generation unit 112, and the game reproduction management information stored in the game reproduction management information table TBL1.

[0111] FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of moving image distribution server 50A.

[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 28, the video distribution server 50A is configured in the same manner as the video distribution server 50 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 51A instead of the control unit 51, and a memory unit 53A instead of the memory unit 53. Of these, the control unit 51A is configured similarly to the control unit 51 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a game reproduction information supply unit 513 instead of the game reproduction information generation unit 512. Here, the game reproduction information supply unit 513 (an example of a "supply unit") acquires game reproduction information JGG generated in the video distribution server 50A, and supplies the acquired game reproduction information JGG to the terminal device 70-n. In addition, memory unit 53A is configured similarly to memory unit 53 according to the first embodiment, except that it stores control program PGS-A instead of pitcher list information J1, batter list information J2, game replay management information table TBL1, terminal characteristic information table TBL2, replay play result information table TBL3, control program PGS, and replay programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q].

[0113] In this embodiment, the processor 5001 executes a control program PGS-A stored in the storage device 5003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGS-A, thereby functioning as a control unit 51A.

[0114] Fig. 29 is a sequence chart for explaining an example of an outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys-A according to this embodiment. Fig. 29 illustrates the operation of the information processing system Sys-A when a user Ug-1 of a game device 10A-1 and a user Ug-2 of a game device 10A-2 play a baseball game.

[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 29, when a baseball game is played, each game device 10A-m executes a game start process (S10). Next, the game device 10A-m executes the baseball game and progresses the match related to the baseball game (S13). Specifically, the game progress information generating unit 112 provided in the game device 10A-m generates game progress information JS based on the operation information JM. Next, the game device 10A-m generates display game video information JDG-m based on the game progress information JS, and supplies the generated display game video information JDG-m to the video editing device 30 (S14). Then, the video editing device 30 generates edited game video information JDE based on the display game video information JDG-m, and supplies the generated edited game video information JDE to the video distribution server 50A (S15). Next, the moving image distribution server 50A generates game moving image information JDH for distribution based on the edited game moving image information JDE, and supplies the generated game moving image information JDH for distribution to the terminal device 70 (S16).

[0116] Then, when the terminal device 70-n transmits a replay request Req to the video distribution server 50A based on the operation of the user Ut-n of the terminal device 70-n (S18), the video distribution server 50A supplies the replay request Req acquired from the terminal device 70-n to the game device 10A-m (S30). Note that, in this embodiment, the replay request Req also includes terminal characteristic information.

[0117] Next, when the game device 10A-m receives a replay request Req from the moving image distribution server 50A, the game device 10A-m supplies game replay information JGG to the moving image distribution server 50A (S31). Specifically, in step S31, first, the game progress information generation unit 112 provided in the game device 10A-m generates pitch information J3 and game progress information J4 based on the game progress information JS generated in step S13. Next, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 provided in the game device 10A-m generates game reproduction management information based on the pitch information J3 and the game progress information J4. Then, the game reproduction information generation unit 512 provided in the game device 10A-m generates game reproduction information JGG based on the pitcher list information J1, the batter list information J2, the pitch information J3, the game reproduction management information, and the reproduction program PG-R[q], and supplies the generated game reproduction information JGG to the video distribution server 50A.

[0118] Next, the moving image distribution server 50A acquires the game replay information JGG from the game device 10A-m, and supplies the acquired game replay information JGG to the terminal device 70-n (S32). Then, the terminal device 70-n executes the replay based on the game replay information JGG (S20).

[0119] Next, the terminal device 70-n supplies the reproduced play result information JSG to the moving image distribution server 50A (S33). Then, the video distribution server 50A acquires the reproduced play result information JSG from the terminal device 70-n, and supplies the acquired reproduced play result information JSG to the terminal device 70-n (S34). Note that in this embodiment, the game progress information generating unit 112 generates a reproduced play result image GK based on the reproduced play result information JSG, and incorporates the generated reproduced play result image GK into the display game video DG-m. Thereafter, the information processing system Sys-A repeatedly executes the processes of steps S14 to S16, S18, S20, and S30 to S34 until the baseball game ends.

[0120] As described above, the game device 10A-m according to the present embodiment includes a game reproduction information generating unit 512 that generates game reproduction information JGG for enabling reproduction play on the terminal device 70-n. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared to a mode in which the terminal device 70-n is only capable of viewing the game video DH for distribution but is not capable of reproducing a baseball game, the user Ut of the terminal device 70-n can easily grasp the skill level of the user Ug playing the baseball game on the game device 10-m and can easily grasp the difficulty level of the baseball game being executed on the game device 10-m.

[0121] [3. Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the game device supplies game reproduction information JGG to the terminal device to enable the execution of a replay on the terminal device. In contrast, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the game device supplies game progress information JS to the terminal device to enable the execution of a replay on the terminal device.

[0123] FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an overview of an information processing system Sys-B according to the third embodiment.

[0124] As illustrated in Figure 30, the information processing system Sys-B is configured in the same manner as the information processing system Sys of the first embodiment, except that it has a game system SysG-B instead of the game system SysG, it has a terminal device 70B instead of the terminal device 70, and it does not have a video distribution server 50. Of these, game system SysG-B is configured in the same manner as game system SysG of the first embodiment, except that it has a game device 10B instead of game device 10, and has a game management server 40 instead of video editing device 30.

[0125] FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game device 10B.

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 31, the game device 10B is configured in the same manner as the game device 10 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 11B instead of the control unit 11 and a memory unit 13B instead of the memory unit 13. Of these, the control unit 11B is configured in the same manner as the control unit 11 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a game progress information generation unit 112B instead of the game progress information generation unit 112. The game progress information generation unit 112B functions in the same manner as the game progress information generation unit 112, except that it does not have the function of generating the pitching information J3 and the game progress information J4. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the game progress information generation unit 112B generates game progress information JS based on the operation information JM, and supplies the generated game progress information JS to the terminal device 70B via the game management server 40. In addition, the memory unit 13B is configured similarly to the memory unit 13 according to the first embodiment, except that it stores the control program PGG-B instead of the control program PGG, and does not store the pitching information J3, the game progress information J4, and the reproduction programs PG-R[1] to PG-R[Q].

[0127] In this embodiment, the processor 1001 executes a control program PGG-B stored in the storage device 1003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGG-B, thereby functioning as the control unit 11B.

[0128] FIG. 32 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game management server 40. As shown in FIG.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 32, the game management server 40 includes a control unit 41 that controls each part of the game management server 40, a memory unit 43 that stores various information such as a control program PGK for controlling each part of the game management server 40, and a communication unit 45 for performing communication between the game management server 40 and an external device located outside the game management server 40. Of these, the control unit 41 acquires the game progress information JS from the game device 10B, and supplies the acquired game progress information JS to the terminal device 70B.

[0130] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game management server 40. As shown in FIG.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 33, the game management server 40 includes a processor 4001 that controls each part of the game management server 40, a storage device 4003 that stores various information, and a communication device 4005 for communicating with external devices located outside the game management server 40. Of these, the storage device 4003 includes one or both of a volatile memory such as a RAM that functions as a working area for the processor 4001 and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM that stores various information such as the control program PGK, and provides the function of a storage unit 43. The processor 4001 includes, for example, one or more CPUs. The processor 4001 executes a control program PGK stored in the storage device 4003 and functions as the control unit 41 by operating in accordance with the control program PGK. The communication device 4005 is hardware for communicating with an external device located outside the game management server 40 via one or both of a wired network and a wireless network, and provides the function of the communication unit 45 .

[0132] FIG. 34 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 70B.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 34, the terminal device 70B is configured in the same manner as the terminal device 70 of the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 71B instead of the control unit 71, and a memory unit 73B instead of the memory unit 73.

[0134] Of these, the control unit 71B is configured in the same manner as the control unit 71 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a game progress information generation unit 112, a display video information generation unit 113, a game reproduction information generation unit 512B, a replay execution unit 712B instead of the replay play execution unit 712, and does not have a game video playback unit 711 for distribution. The game reproduction information generation unit 512B functions in the same manner as the game reproduction information generation unit 512 according to the first embodiment, except that it generates game reproduction information JGG-B (to be described later) instead of game reproduction information JGG. The reproduction play execution unit 712B functions in the same manner as the reproduction play execution unit 712 according to the first embodiment, except that it executes a replay based on game reproduction information JGG-B instead of game reproduction information JGG.

[0135] Moreover, storage unit 73B is configured similarly to storage unit 73 according to the first embodiment, except that it stores pitcher list information J1, batter list information J2, pitch information J3, game progress information J4, game reproduction information JGG-B, and game reproduction management information table TBL1, that it stores control program PGT-B instead of control program PGT, and that it does not store reproduction program PG-R[q]. Here, game reproduction information JGG-B has the same data configuration as game reproduction information JGG according to the first embodiment, except that it does not include reproduction program PG-R[q].

[0136] In this embodiment, the processor 7001 executes a control program PGT-B stored in the storage device 7003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGT-B, thereby functioning as a control unit 71B.

[0137] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 71B provided in the terminal device 70B includes a game reproduction information generation unit 512B and a replay execution unit 712B. In this embodiment, the game reproduction information generation unit 512B generates game reproduction information JGG-B based on the game progress information JS. In this embodiment, the replay execution unit 712B executes a replay based on the game reproduction information JGG-B.

[0138] Fig. 35 is a sequence chart for explaining an example of an outline of the operation of the information processing system Sys-B according to the present embodiment. Fig. 35 illustrates the operation of the information processing system Sys-B when a user Ug-1 of the game device 10A-1 and a user Ug-2 of the game device 10A-2 play a baseball game.

[0139] As illustrated in FIG. 35, when a baseball game is played, each game device 10B-m executes a game start process (S10). Next, each game device 10B-m supplies the game basic information JK-m to the game management server 40 (S11). Next, the game management server 40 supplies the game basic information JK-m acquired from the game device 10B-m to the terminal device 70B (S40).

[0140] Next, the game device 10B-m executes the baseball game and progresses the match related to the baseball game (S13). Specifically, the game progress information generating unit 112B provided in the game device 10B-m generates the game progress information JS based on the operation information JM. Then, the game device 10B-m supplies the game progress information JS to the game management server 40 (S41). Next, the game management server 40 supplies the game progress information JS acquired from the game device 10B-m to the terminal device 70B (S42).

[0141] Then, the terminal device 70B generates the game video information JDH to be distributed based on the game progress information JS acquired from the game management server 40, and executes the re-enactment play (S43). Specifically, in step S43, the display moving image information generating unit 113 provided in the terminal device 70B generates display game moving image information JDG based on the game progress information JS, and displays the display game moving image DG on the display unit 76. Note that in this embodiment, the display moving image information generating unit 113 provided in the terminal device 70B displays a re-play request button BP on the display game moving image DG. In step S43, the game reproduction information generating unit 512B provided in the terminal device 70B generates pitch information J3 and game progress information J4 based on the game progress information JS. Next, the game reproduction information generating unit 512B provided in the terminal device 70B generates game reproduction management information based on the pitch information J3 and the game progress information J4. Next, the game reproduction information generating unit 512B provided in the terminal device 70B generates game reproduction information JGG-B based on the pitcher list information J1, the batter list information J2, the pitch information J3, and the game reproduction management information. Then, the reproduction play executing unit 712B provided in the terminal device 70B executes a reproduction play based on the game reproduction information JGG-B when the user Ut of the terminal device 70B presses the reproduction play request button BP.

[0142] As described above, the terminal device 70B according to this embodiment includes a game reproduction information generating unit 512B that generates game reproduction information JGG-B for enabling reproduction play on the terminal device 70B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, compared to a mode in which the terminal device 70B is only capable of viewing the game video for distribution DH but is not capable of reproducing a baseball game, the user Ut of the terminal device 70B can easily grasp the skill level of the user Ug playing the baseball game on the game device 10B and can easily grasp the difficulty level of the baseball game being executed on the game device 10B.

[0143] [4. Modifications] Each of the above embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, the elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those of the embodiment will be appropriately omitted by using the symbols referenced in the above explanation.

[0144] [Variation 1] In the above-described first to third embodiments, a single replay request button BP corresponding to a single replay is displayed in the game video for distribution DH or the game video for display DG, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a plurality of replay request buttons BP corresponding to a plurality of replays may be displayed in the game video for distribution DH or the game video for display DG. In this case, the user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) may be able to execute one replay from the plurality of replays by selecting one replay request button BP from the plurality of replay request buttons BP.

[0145] FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the outline of the distribution game video DH according to this modified example.

[0146] 36, in this modified example, a replay selection image GC including a plurality of replay request buttons BP (BP1 to BP3) is displayed in the game video DH for distribution. A user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) can select one replay request button BP from the plurality of replay request buttons BP included in the replay selection image GC, thereby selecting one replay that can be executed on the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) from the plurality of replay plays corresponding to the plurality of replay request buttons BP.

[0147] In this modified example, the case where the reproduced play selection image GC is displayed in the game video for distribution DH will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The reproduced play selection image GC may be displayed in the game video for display DG, or may be displayed in the edited game video DE. In addition, in this modified example, a case where a user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) selects one replay request button BP from among a plurality of replay play request buttons BP included in the replay play selection image GC displayed in the game video for distribution DH will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a user Ug of the game device 10 (or the game device 10A, or the game device 10B) may select one replay request button BP from among a plurality of replay play request buttons BP included in the replay play selection image GC displayed in the game video for display DG. Also, for example, an operator of the video editing device 30 may select one replay play request button BP from among a plurality of replay play request buttons BP included in the replay play selection image GC displayed in the edited game video DE.

[0148] 37 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a moving image distribution server 50C according to the first aspect of the present modification. Note that the moving image distribution server 50C is provided in place of the moving image distribution server 50 in the information processing system Sys according to the first embodiment.

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 37, the video distribution server 50C is configured in the same manner as the video distribution server 50 of the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 51C instead of the control unit 51, and a memory unit 53C instead of the memory unit 53. Of these, the control unit 51C is configured similarly to the control unit 51 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a game replay candidate presentation unit 800. Here, the game replay candidate presentation unit 800 selects two or more pitches to be reproduced from among a plurality of pitches to be reproduced corresponding to a plurality of records stored in the game replay management information table TBL1, and generates information indicating two or more reproduce play request buttons BP that correspond one-to-one to the two or more selected pitches to be reproduced. Then, the distribution video information generation unit 511 generates distribution game video information JDH indicating the distribution game video DH into which the reproduce play selection image GC is incorporated, based on the information indicating the two or more reproduce play request buttons BP generated by the game replay candidate presentation unit 800. Moreover, the storage unit 53C is configured similarly to the storage unit 53 according to the first embodiment, except that the storage unit 53C stores a control program PGS-C instead of the control program PGS.

[0150] In this embodiment, the processor 5001 executes a control program PGS-C stored in the storage device 5003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGS-C, thereby functioning as a control unit 51C.

[0151] 38 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a game device 10C according to a second aspect of the present modified example. The game device 10C is provided in place of the game device 10A in the information processing system Sys-A according to the second embodiment.

[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 38, the game device 10C is configured similarly to the game device 10A according to the second embodiment, except that it has a control unit 11C instead of the control unit 11A, and a memory unit 13C instead of the memory unit 13A. Of these, the control unit 11C is configured similarly to the control unit 11A according to the second embodiment, except that it includes a game reproduction candidate presentation unit 800. Moreover, the storage unit 13C is configured similarly to the storage unit 13A according to the second embodiment, except that it stores the control program PGG-C instead of the control program PGG-A.

[0153] In this embodiment, the processor 1001 executes a control program PGG-C stored in the storage device 1003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGG-C, thereby functioning as the control unit 11C.

[0154] As described above, according to this modification, the user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) can execute one replay from among a plurality of replay plays by selecting one replay request button BP from among a plurality of replay plays. Therefore, according to this modification, the interest of the replay can be increased compared to a mode in which the user Ut cannot select an executable replay play.

[0155] [Variation 2] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modification 1, points may be given to one or both of the user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) and the user Ug of the game device 10 (or the game device 10A, the game device 10B, or the game device 10C) based on the execution result of the reproduced play by the user Ut. Here, the points may be a value related to the baseball game, a value related to the game video DH for distribution, or a monetary value.

[0156] 39 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a moving image distribution server 50D according to this modification. Note that the moving image distribution server 50D is provided in place of the moving image distribution server 50 in the information processing system Sys according to the first embodiment.

[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 39, the video distribution server 50D is configured in the same manner as the video distribution server 50 of the first embodiment, except that it has a control unit 51D instead of the control unit 51, and a memory unit 53D instead of the memory unit 53. Of these, the control unit 51D is configured similarly to the control unit 51 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a point allocating unit 900. The storage unit 53D is configured similarly to the storage unit 53 according to the first embodiment, except that it stores a user point management information table TBL4 and stores a control program PGS-D instead of the control program PGS. Here, the user point management information table TBL4 is a table that stores information on points owned by the user Ug of the game device 10 (or the game device 10A, the game device 10B, or the game device 10C) and information on points owned by the user Ut of the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B). The point granting unit 900 (an example of a "value providing unit") grants points to one or both of the users Ug and Ut according to the result of the replay indicated by the replay play result information JSG. Specifically, the point granting unit 900 updates one or both of the information on points owned by the user Ug and the information on points owned by the user Ut, which are stored in the user point management information table TBL4, according to the result of the replay indicated by the replay play result information JSG.

[0158] In this embodiment, the processor 5001 executes a control program PGS-D stored in the storage device 5003 and operates in accordance with the control program PGS-D, thereby functioning as a control unit 51D.

[0159] As described above, according to this modified example, points are awarded to one or both of user Ug and user Ut depending on the result of the re-enacted play, thereby making the re-enacted play more interesting compared to a mode in which points are not awarded to user Ug and user Ut.

[0160] [Variation 3] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modified examples 1 and 2, a case where a pitcher character CP throws a ball object OBL based on an operation of a user Ug of the game device 10 and a batter character CB hits a ball with a bat object OBT based on an operation of a user Ut of the terminal device 70 is illustrated as an example of a replay, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The replay may be one in which the operation of the user Ug of the game device 10 does not intervene in the progress of the replay at the timing when the user Ut of the terminal device 70 performs an operation to progress the replay or after the timing when the user Ut of the terminal device 70 performs an operation to progress the replay. For example, as a reproduced play, a hit by a batter character CB based on an operation of the user Ug of the game device 10 and a defense by a fielder character (batter character CB) based on an operation of the user Ut of the terminal device 70 may be adopted.

[0161] [Variation 4] In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and modified examples 1 to 3, it is assumed that the game video information JDH for distribution indicating the game video DH for distribution is supplied to the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B), but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) may be a device to which the game video information JDH for distribution indicating the game video DH for distribution is not supplied.

[0162] [Variation 5] In the above-described first and second embodiments and modified examples 1 to 4, the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) may be a device that is not capable of executing a baseball game. Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments and modified examples 1 to 4, the terminal device 70 (or the terminal device 70B) may be a device that is not capable of executing a game that can be executed on the game device 10 (or the game device 10A, the game device 10B, or the game device 10C).

[0163] [Variation 6] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments and modified examples 1 to 5, a baseball game has been described as an example of a "game", but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Any game may be adopted as a "game".

[0164] [5. Notes] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference symbols in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[0165] [Appendix 1] A program (e.g., control program PGS) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for a server device (e.g., video distribution server 50) capable of communicating with a game device (e.g., game device 10) that executes a game (e.g., a baseball game) and generates video information (e.g., game video information for display JDG) indicating a video related to the game, and is characterized in that it causes a processor (e.g., processor 5001) of the server device to function as a distribution information generation unit (e.g., distribution video information generation unit 511) that generates distribution information (e.g., distribution game video information JDH) indicating a distribution video (e.g., distribution game video DH) based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit (e.g., game reproduction information generation unit 512) that generates reproduction information (e.g., game reproduction information JGG) that indicates the progress of the game on the game device and enables reproduction play of the game at the progress on a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 70) that can view the distribution video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0166] In this aspect, the terminal device is capable of viewing the distributed video based on the video information indicating the video related to the game, and is also capable of reproducing the progress of the game being executed on the game device based on the reproduction information generated by the reproduction information generating unit. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device. In other words, according to this aspect, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device is merely capable of viewing the distributed video but is unable to reproduce the game, the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device.

[0167] In the above aspect, the "video information" may be, for example, information showing a game image updated every unit period in real time, information showing a set of a plurality of game images corresponding one-to-one to a plurality of unit periods, or information to which information showing sound is added. Here, the "unit period" may be, for example, a period having a predetermined length of time, or a period having a variable length of time. The "game image" may be, for example, a still image showing a virtual space related to the game, or a still image showing a screen on which a user of the game device performs an operation related to the game. The "information showing sound" may be, for example, information showing a sound generated in a virtual space related to the game, or information showing a sound generated by the game device when a user of the game device performs an operation related to the game.

[0168] In the above aspect, the "distributed video" may be, for example, the same video as the video indicated by the video information, or a video with a changed resolution of the video indicated by the video information, or a video to which a different video or still image has been added to the video indicated by the video information.

[0169] In the above aspect, the "game progress status" may be, for example, the state of the virtual space related to the game at each point in time or each period as the game progresses, or the content of the operation of the game device by the user of the game device at each point in time or each period as the game progresses. Here, the "situation of the virtual space related to the game" may be, for example, the situation of a character existing in the virtual space, or the situation of an object existing in the virtual space. Among these, the "situation of the character" may be, for example, the possibility of the character's existence in the game, the skill level of the character, an item possessed by the character, the position, posture, action, moving direction, and moving speed of the character in the virtual space, or some or all of these. Also, the "situation of the object" may be, for example, the possibility of the object's existence in the game, or some or all of the position, posture, action, moving direction, and moving speed of the object in the virtual space, or some or all of these.

[0170] In the above aspect, the "terminal device" may be, for example, a terminal device in which an application program related to a game for executing the game is installed, or a terminal device in which an application program related to the game is not installed. Note that only when an application program related to a game is installed in a terminal device, the terminal device may be able to execute the game. In other words, when an application program related to a game is not installed in a terminal device, the terminal device may not be able to execute the game.

[0171] In the above aspect, "reproduced play of a game" may mean, for example, reproducing the progress of a game being executed on a game device on an external device other than the game device, and having a user of the external device play the game in the reproduced situation. Here, the "external device" may be a device capable of viewing the distributed video, such as the terminal device described above, or may be a device incapable of viewing the distributed video. The "external device" may be, for example, a device in which an application program related to a game is installed, or may be a device in which an application program related to a game is not installed. If an application program related to a game is installed in the external device, the user of the external device may be able to reproduce the play of the game by executing the application program related to the game in the external device, i.e., by executing the game. On the other hand, if an application program related to a game is not installed in the external device, the user of the external device may be able to reproduce the play of the game by executing a program other than the application program related to the game in the external device, for example, a program related to a web browser or a program related to video playback software.

[0172] [Appendix 2] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the reproduction information generation unit supplies the reproduction information to the terminal device so that the distributed video at the progress status can be viewed on the terminal device after the time when the terminal device becomes able to reproduce the play of the game at the progress status.

[0173] In this aspect, the user of the terminal device cannot view the distributed video at each progress status before the timing at which the replay of the game at each progress status becomes possible. That is, according to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can replay the game at each progress status before viewing the distributed video at each progress status. Therefore, according to this aspect, compared to the aspect in which the replay of the game at each progress status becomes possible after the distributed video at each progress status becomes available to view on the terminal device, the user of the terminal device can replay the game at each progress status under conditions similar to those of a user playing the game on a game device, and the interest of the replay can be increased.

[0174] [Appendix 3] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the distribution information generation unit indicates a result of a replay of the game based on the replay information in the terminal device, and generates the distribution information based on result information (e.g., replay result information JSG) supplied from the terminal device.

[0175] In this aspect, the distribution information generating unit generates distribution information according to the result of the replay on the terminal device, so that the result of the replay on the terminal device can be reflected in the distributed video. Therefore, according to this aspect, the interest of the replay on the terminal device can be increased compared to an aspect in which the result of the replay on the terminal device is not reflected in the distributed video.

[0176] [Appendix 4] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the reproduction information generation unit generates reproduction information for enabling reproduction of the game at the progress status in each of a plurality of terminal devices capable of viewing the distributed video, and the distribution information generation unit indicates a result of the reproduction play of the game based on the reproduction information in the plurality of terminal devices, and generates the distribution information based on a plurality of result information supplied from the plurality of terminal devices.

[0177] In this aspect, the distribution information generating unit generates distribution information according to the results of the replays on the multiple terminal devices, so that the results of the replays on the multiple terminal devices can be reflected in the distribution video. Therefore, according to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can compare the results of the replays on that terminal device with the results of the replays on other terminal devices. Therefore, according to this aspect, the interest of the replays on the terminal device can be increased compared to an aspect in which the results of the replays on the multiple terminal devices are not reflected in the distribution video.

[0178] [Appendix 5] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that it causes the processor of the server device to function as a value providing unit (e.g., a point allocating unit 900) that indicates the result of a replay of the game based on the replay information on the terminal device, and provides value (e.g., points) to a user of the terminal device based on result information supplied from the terminal device.

[0179] According to this aspect, the value providing unit provides value to the user of the terminal device depending on the result of the re-enacted play on the terminal device, thereby making the re-enacted play on the terminal device more interesting compared to an aspect in which value is not provided to the user of the terminal device.

[0180] In the above aspect, the "value" may be, for example, a value related to the game, or may be a monetary value.

[0181] [Appendix 6] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in Appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it causes the processor of the server device to function as a value providing unit that shows the result of a replay of the game based on the replay information on the terminal device, and provides value to a user of the game device based on result information supplied from the terminal device.

[0182] According to this aspect, the value providing unit provides value to the user of the game device depending on the result of the re-enacted play on the terminal device, thereby making the re-enacted play on the terminal device more interesting compared to an aspect in which value is not provided to the user of the game device.

[0183] [Appendix 7] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the reproduction information generation unit generates the reproduction information based on terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the terminal device.

[0184] According to this aspect, since the reproduction information generating unit generates reproduction information according to the characteristics of the terminal device, it is possible to reproduce the game in a manner according to the characteristics of the terminal device on the terminal device. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the load generated by the user of the terminal device who reproduces the game on the terminal device when reproducing the game, compared to an aspect in which reproduction information is generated without considering the characteristics of the terminal device.

[0185] In the above aspect, the "characteristics of the terminal device" may be, for example, characteristics related to the hardware of the terminal device, or characteristics related to software installed in the terminal device. Here, the "characteristics related to hardware of the terminal device" may be, for example, characteristics related to the processing performance of a processor provided in the terminal device, or characteristics related to the display performance of a display device provided in the terminal device. In other words, the "terminal characteristic information" may be, for example, information indicating characteristics related to the processing performance of a processor provided in the terminal device, or information indicating characteristics related to the display performance of a display device provided in the terminal device. Furthermore, the "characteristics related to software installed in a terminal device" may be, for example, the type of program installed in the terminal device, or the fact that a specific program is installed in the terminal device. That is, the "terminal characteristic information" may be, for example, information indicating the type of program installed in the terminal device, or information indicating whether or not a specific program is installed in the terminal device. Here, the "specific program" may be an application program related to a game.

[0186] [Appendix 8] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reproduction information generation unit generates the reproduction information based on an operation of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game.

[0187] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can virtually experience a match or cooperation in the game with users of other game devices in the replay of the game. Therefore, according to this aspect, the interest of the replay on the terminal device can be increased compared to an aspect in which the user of the terminal device cannot virtually experience a match or cooperation in the game with users of other game devices.

[0188] [Appendix 9] A program according to another aspect of the present invention (e.g., control program PGS-A) is a program for a server device (e.g., video distribution server 50A) capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and is characterized in that it causes a processor of the server device to function as a distribution information generation unit (e.g., distribution video information generation unit 511) that generates distribution information indicating a distribution video based on the video information, and a supply unit (e.g., game reproduction information supply unit 513) that indicates the progress of the game on the game device and that enables the game to be reproduced at the progress of the game on a terminal device on which the distribution video can be viewed based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit, and that acquires the acquired reproduction information to the terminal device.

[0189] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0190] [Appendix 10] A program (e.g., control program PGG-A) according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor (e.g., processor 1001) of a game device (e.g., game device 10A) to function as a game control unit (e.g., game control unit 111) that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit (e.g., game reproduction information generation unit 512) that generates reproduction information indicating the progress of the game on the game device and enabling reproduction play of the game at the progress on a terminal device capable of viewing distributed video based on the video information.

[0191] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0192] [Appendix 11] A program according to another aspect of the present invention (e.g., control program PGG-B) causes a processor of a game device (e.g., game device 10B) to function as a game control unit that executes a game, and the game control unit indicates the progress of the game on the game device, enables viewing of a video related to the game on a terminal device, and generates reproduction information for enabling reproduction play of the game at the progress on the terminal device.

[0193] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which it is only possible to watch videos related to the game on the terminal device but not to re-play the game.

[0194] [Appendix 12] A server device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and is characterized in that it comprises: a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating a distributed video based on the video information; and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device, and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device on which the distributed video can be viewed based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0195] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0196] [Appendix 13] A game device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a game control unit which executes a game and generates video information which indicates a video related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit which generates reproduction information which indicates a progress status of the game on the game device and enables a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device on which distributed video based on the video information can be viewed.

[0197] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0198] [Appendix 14] A control method for a server device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a server device capable of communicating with a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicative of a video related to the game, characterized in that a processor of the server device is caused to function as a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicative of a distributed video based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicative of a progress status of the game on the game device and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0199] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0200] [Appendix 15] A control method for a game device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a processor of the game device functions as a game control unit that executes a game and generates moving image information indicating a moving image related to the game, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing distributed moving images based on the moving image information.

[0201] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game.

[0202] [Appendix 16] An information processing system (e.g., information processing system Sys) according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system comprising a game device that executes a game and generates video information indicating a video related to the game, and a server device capable of communicating with the game device, and is characterized in comprising: a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating a distributed video based on the video information, and a reproduction information generation unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device, and enabling a reproduction play of the game at the progress status on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit.

[0203] According to this aspect, the user of the terminal device can actually experience the game being executed on the game device, and therefore the user of the terminal device can easily grasp the skill level of the user playing the game on the game device and the difficulty level of the game being executed on the game device, compared to an aspect in which the terminal device can merely view the distributed video but cannot replay the game. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 10...game device, 11...control unit, 13...memory unit, 14...operation unit, 15...communication unit, 20...display device, 30...video editing device, 40...game management server, 50...video distribution server, 51...control unit, 53...memory unit, 55...communication unit, 70...terminal device, 71...control unit, 73...memory unit, 74...operation unit, 75...communication unit, 76...display unit, 111...game control unit, 112...game progress information generation unit, 113...video information for display generation unit, 511...video information for distribution generation unit, 512...game reproduction information generation unit, 1001...processor, 5001...processor, 7001...processor, Sys...information processing system, SysG...game system.

Claims

1. a game device that executes a game and generates video information showing a video relating to the game; A program for a server device capable of communicating with A processor of the server device, a distribution information generating unit that generates distribution information indicating a distribution video based on the video information; reproduction information that indicates a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, and that enables a replay of the game executed on the game device, reproducing the game during the progress status, on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit; A reproduction information generating unit that generates and make it function. A program characterized by:

2. The reproduction information generation unit After the time when the game replay in the progress state becomes possible on the terminal device, The terminal device is configured to be able to view the distribution video in the progress state. providing the reproduction information to the terminal device; 2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. A processor of the server device, indicating a result of a replay of the game based on the replay information in the terminal device; Based on the result information provided by the terminal device, a value providing unit that provides value to a user of the terminal device; To function as 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A processor of the server device, indicating a result of a replay of the game based on the replay information in the terminal device; Based on the result information provided by the terminal device, a value providing unit that provides value to a user of the game device; To function as 4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

5. The reproduction information generating unit generating the reproduction information based on terminal characteristic information indicating characteristics of the terminal device; 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

6. A processor of the game device, a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information showing a video related to the game; reproduction information that indicates a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, and that enables a replay of the game executed on the game device, reproducing the game during the progress status, on a terminal device capable of viewing a distributed video based on the video information; A reproduction information generating unit that generates and make it function. A program characterized by:

7. A processor of the game device, A game control unit that executes a game; and make it work. The game control unit: generating reproduction information in a terminal device capable of viewing a video relating to the game, which indicates a progress status of the game in the game device and operations of users of other game devices that communicate with the game device and execute the game during the progress status of the game, for enabling a replay of the game executed on the game device, which reproduces the game during the progress status; A program characterized by:

8. a game device that executes a game and generates video information showing a video relating to the game; A server device capable of communicating with a distribution information generating unit that generates distribution information indicating a distribution video based on the video information; a reproduction information generation unit which generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device which communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, in a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit, for enabling a reproduced play of the game executed on the game device, which reproduces the game during the progress status; Equipped with A server device comprising:

9. A gaming device, a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information showing a video related to the game; a reproduction information generating unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, in a terminal device capable of viewing a distributed video based on the video information, for enabling a replay of the game executed on the game device, the game being reproduced during the progress status; Equipped with A game device comprising:

10. a game device that executes a game and generates video information showing a video relating to the game; A method for controlling a server device capable of communicating with A processor of the server device, a distribution information generating unit that generates distribution information indicating a distribution video based on the video information; a reproduction information generation unit which generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device which communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, in a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit, for enabling a reproduced play of the game executed on the game device, which reproduces the game during the progress status; and make it function.

23. A method for controlling a server device comprising:

11. A processor of the game device, a game control unit that executes a game and generates video information showing a video related to the game; a reproduction information generating unit that generates reproduction information indicating a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, in a terminal device capable of viewing a distributed video based on the video information, for enabling a replay of the game executed on the game device, the game being reproduced during the progress status; and make it function.

23. A method for controlling a game device comprising:

12. a game device that executes a game and generates video information showing a video related to the game; a server device capable of communicating with the game device; An information processing system comprising: a distribution information generating unit that generates distribution information indicating a distribution video based on the video information; reproduction information that indicates a progress status of the game on the game device and operations of a user of another game device that communicates with the game device and executes the game during the progress status of the game, and that enables a replay of the game executed on the game device, reproducing the game during the progress status, on a terminal device capable of viewing the distributed video based on the distribution information generated by the distribution information generation unit; A reproduction information generating unit that generates Equipped with An information processing system comprising:

Images