Information system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To encourage many users to watch a game video.SOLUTION: An information system 100 includes a video distribution part 111 which transmits video data for displaying a distribution video including a game image representing a state of a game played by one or more players P, to a plurality of terminal devices 30, a condition setting part 112 which sets a restriction condition related to the game in accordance with an instruction from a user U of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices 30, and a game control part 211 which progresses the game under the restriction condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , ,

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[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for distributing videos related to games.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game system that executes a game in which a plurality of users can participate. Any one of the plurality of users can give an instruction regarding an operation target to other users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document Ⅰ

Summary of the Invention

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer system to function as follows: a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a video distribution that includes game images representing the status of a game played by one or more players to a plurality of terminal devices; a condition setting unit that sets setting conditions related to the game in response to instructions from a user of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices; and a game control unit that advances the game under the constraints. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the game system. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a gameplay video. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an information system and terminal device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a streaming video. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the instruction reception screen. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a video streaming system. [Figure 9] This flowchart illustrates the specific steps involved in setting the configuration conditions. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the control process. [Figure 11]This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps involved in the distribution process. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of a gameplay video in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information system in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information system and terminal device in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the control process in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of a gameplay video in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the video stream in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the instruction reception screen in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of a gameplay video in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically preferred limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated below.

[0010] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information system 100 according to the first embodiment. The information system 100 is a computer system for distributing a distribution video Vb (see FIG. 6) representing the situation of a battle game in which players P1 and P2 play to a plurality of terminal devices 30. For example, in an event (esports) where a large number of participants participate, players P1 and P2 battle in a battle game (specifically, a fighting game). The distribution video Vb is content including images and sounds, and is distributed (i.e., live-distributed) to each terminal device 30 in real time in parallel with the progress of the battle game. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between players P1 and P2, they are simply referred to as "player P". The same applies to other reference numerals.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information system 100 includes a video distribution system 10 and a game system 20. Each of the plurality of terminal devices 30 and the video distribution system 10 can communicate with each other via a communication network 200 such as the Internet. Similarly, the video distribution system 10 and the game system 20 can communicate with each other via the communication network 200. The game system 20 is a computer system that provides a battle game. The video distribution system 10 is a computer system that distributes a distribution video Vb representing the situation of the battle game provided by the game system 20 to a plurality of terminal devices 30. Note that the video distribution system 10 and the game system 20 may be realized by a single device.

[0012] Each of the plurality of terminal devices 30 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Note that any device that can acquire and display the distribution video Vb, such as a television receiver connected to the communication network 200, is used as the terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may be in either a portable or stationary form. The user U of each terminal device 30 views the distribution video Vb distributed from the information system 100 to the terminal device 30. That is, the user U can view the distribution video Vb representing the situation of the battle game in real time in parallel with the progress of the battle game.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the game system 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, and a plurality of game units G (G1, G2). Note that the game system 20 can be realized as a single device or as a plurality of devices separately configured from each other.

[0014] The control device 21 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 20, for example. Specifically, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0015] The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, known recording media such as semiconductor recording media and magnetic recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, are used as the storage device 22. The communication device 23 communicates with the video distribution system 10 via the communication network 200.

[0016] Each game unit G (G1, G2) is a user interface used by the player P to play the game. Player P1 uses game unit G1, and player P2 uses game unit G2. In addition to devices dedicated to competitive games, information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, or personal computers are also used as the game unit G.

[0017] Each game unit G is equipped with an operating device 24 and a display device 25. The operating device 24 is an input device that receives input from each player P. The operating device 24 is, for example, a set of controls operated by the player P, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player P. Multiple game units G may be configured separately from the game system 20. For example, it is conceivable that each of the multiple game units G communicates with the game system 20 (game server), which is equipped with a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23, via a communication network 200.

[0018] The display device 25 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) panel, and displays various images under the control of the control device 21. Specifically, the display device 25 displays the gameplay video Va shown in Figure 3, which represents the status of the versus game. Player P1 plays the versus game by operating the control device 24 of game unit G1 while watching the gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 of game unit G1. Similarly, player P2 plays the versus game by operating the control device 24 of game unit G2 while watching the gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 of game unit G2. The gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 of game unit G1 and the gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 of game unit G2 are not considered to be different. Note that one display device 25 may be shared by both player P1 and player P2. In addition, each game unit G may be equipped with a sound emission device (e.g., a speaker) that plays various sound effects according to the status of the versus game.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a gameplay video Va. As illustrated in Figure 3, the gameplay video Va is an image that includes a battle game image Va1 and a reference image Va2. The battle game image Va1 is a video representing the situation of the battle game and includes characters O1 and O2 placed in the virtual space. Character O1 is an object controlled by player P1, and character O2 is an object controlled by player P2. Player P1 can make character O1 perform any of several actions, including attacking and defending against character O2, by operating the control device 24 of game unit G1. Similarly, player P2 can make character O2 perform any of several actions, including attacking and defending against character O1, by operating the control device 24 of game unit G2.

[0020] Reference image Va2 is an image relating to the conditions (hereinafter referred to as "setting conditions") Cb set for the competitive game. In the first embodiment, setting condition Cb is that character O (O1, O2) performs a specific action (hereinafter referred to as "condition action") in the competitive game. That is, setting condition Cb is met when character O performs the condition action. Setting condition Cb is set in response to instructions from users U of multiple terminal devices 30. The setting of setting condition Cb will be described later.

[0021] Reference image Va2 includes the setting condition Cb along with the number of times it was met N1 and N2. The number of times it was met N1 means the number of times the setting condition Cb was met for player P1. In other words, the number of times it was met N1 is the number of times character O1 performed the conditional action in response to instructions from player P1. Similarly, the number of times it was met N2 means the number of times the setting condition Cb was met for player P2. In other words, the number of times it was met N2 is the number of times character O2 performed the conditional action in response to instructions from player P2. In the above explanation, the example given is that the gameplay video Va includes the battle game image Va1 and the reference image Va2 as a single unit, but the battle game image Va1 and the reference image Va2 may be displayed as separate images. The configuration in which the reference image Va2 is displayed as a separate image from the battle game image Va1 has the advantage that each player P can easily check the status of the battle game.

[0022] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information system 100 and the terminal device 30. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control device 21 of the game system 20 realizes multiple functions (game control unit 211, condition determination unit 212, reward granting unit 213, and display control unit 214) by executing a program stored in the storage device 22.

[0023] The game control unit 211 controls the progress of the competitive game to which the setting condition Cb is applied. Specifically, the game control unit 211 controls character O1 to perform the action instructed by player P1, and controls character O2 to perform the action instructed by player P2, thereby pitting character O1 against character O2. The game control unit 211 then determines the winner and loser for player P1 and player P2 according to the progress of the match between character O1 and character O2.

[0024] The condition determination unit 212 determines whether the set condition Cb is met or not in parallel with the progress of the competitive game. Specifically, the condition determination unit 212 receives condition data Qb representing the set condition Cb from the video distribution system 10 and determines whether the set condition Cb represented by the condition data Qb is met or not. In the first embodiment, the condition determination unit 212 determines whether the set condition Cb is met or not individually for each of player P1 and player P2. The condition determination unit 212 then counts the number of times the set condition Cb is met for player P1 N1 and the number of times the set condition Cb is met for player P2 N2. Note that the function of the condition determination unit 212 may be implemented by the game control unit 211. In other words, the condition determination unit 212 may be embedded in the game control unit 211.

[0025] The reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to player P when a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as "reward condition") is met. The reward condition is a condition that includes the fulfillment of a set condition Cb. Specifically, a set condition Cb is exemplified as the number of times N(N1,N2) that set condition Cb is fulfilled reaching a predetermined target value Z. That is, the reward granting unit 213 counts the number of times that the condition determination unit 212 has determined that set condition Cb has been fulfilled as the number of fulfillments N(N1,N2), and determines whether the number of fulfillments N has reached the target value Z. Note that the condition determination unit 212 may be included within the reward granting unit 213.

[0026] For example, the reward distribution unit 213 awards a reward to player P1 when the number of successful executions N1 reaches the target value Z. That is, in a competitive game, if the number of times character O1 has performed a conditional action (i.e., the number of successful executions of the set condition Cb N1) is equal to or greater than the target value Z, player P1 is awarded a reward. Similarly, the reward distribution unit 213 awards a reward to player P2 when the number of successful executions N2 reaches the target value Z. The content of the reward is arbitrary, but for example, a predetermined amount of points usable in a competitive game may be awarded to player P as a reward. Points are the value that can be consumed, for example, to play a competitive game or to acquire items in a competitive game. The reward distribution unit 213 may also determine the type or quantity of rewards awarded to each player P. As illustrated in Figure 3, the target value Z related to the reward condition is displayed in reference image Va2 along with the number of successful executions N(N1,N2). The type or quantity of rewards awarded to each player P may also be displayed in reference image Va2. By displaying the reward in the gameplay video Va, an incentive can be given to each player P to aim for fulfilling the set condition Cb (specifically, an incentive to have character O perform the conditional action).

[0027] As illustrated in Figure 2, the storage device 22 stores the number of points held by each of the multiple pre-registered registrants as the number of points held M (M1, M2, ...). The multiple registrants include, for example, player P and user U. That is, a specific registrant among the multiple registrants can play as player P, and each registrant can also watch the streamed video Vb as user U.

[0028] The reward distribution unit 213 in Figure 4 grants a reward to player P by adding a predetermined value to the number of points M held by player P when the reward conditions are met. The reward distribution unit 213 in the first embodiment also grants a reward to each of the multiple users U. For example, when the reward conditions are met, the reward distribution unit 213 grants a reward to one or more users U who have specified the setting conditions Cb(Ca) that are actually applied to the competitive game. Specifically, the reward distribution unit 213 adds a predetermined value to the number of points M held by each user U who has specified the setting condition Cb. This configuration has the advantage of providing an incentive for a large number of users U to participate in the competitive game. It should be noted that a configuration in which a reward is granted to all users U who have specified the setting condition Cb, regardless of whether the reward conditions are met or not, is also conceivable.

[0029] Furthermore, each user U may specify the reward to be given to player P upon fulfillment of the reward conditions. Specifically, the reward granting unit 213 determines the type or quantity of reward to be given to player P upon fulfillment of the reward conditions, in accordance with the instructions from multiple users U. For example, a configuration in which the type of reward is determined by a majority vote of multiple users U, or a configuration in which a representative value (e.g., the average) of the quantities specified by multiple users U is determined as the reward amount, is conceivable. In addition, each user U may specify the reward to be given to each user U, similar to the reward for each player P.

[0030] The display control unit 214 in Figure 4 causes the gameplay video Va, which represents the progress of the competitive game, to be displayed on each display device 25. Specifically, the display control unit 214 displays the gameplay video Va by supplying video data Da, which represents the gameplay video Va, to the display device 25. It is also conceivable that a control device 21 is installed for each game unit G (for each display device 25). In the above configuration, the display control unit 214 implemented by each control device 21 causes the gameplay video Va to be displayed on the display device 25 corresponding to that control device 21.

[0031] Furthermore, the display control unit 214 of the first embodiment transmits video data Da to be supplied to the display device 25 from the communication device 23 to the video distribution system 10. The display control unit 214 may also transmit video data Da to the video distribution system 10 from the communication device 23 after performing various image processing, such as compression, on the video data Da supplied to the display device 25. The transmission of video data Da to the video distribution system 10 is repeated periodically during the period in which the competitive game is being played. That is, the video data Da is sequentially transmitted (streamed) to the video distribution system 10 in parallel with the progress of the competitive game. As can be understood from the above description, the format of the video data Da supplied to the display device 25 and the format of the video data Da transmitted to the video distribution system 10 are not considered. The video data Da transmitted to the video distribution system 10 is generated in any format suitable for processing in the video distribution system 10.

[0032] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each of the multiple terminal devices 30. As illustrated in Figure 5, the terminal device 30 comprises a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, and an operating device 35. The terminal device 30 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0033] The control device 31 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the terminal device 30, for example. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0034] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, known recording media such as semiconductor recording media and magnetic recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, can be used as the storage device 32.

[0035] The communication device 33 communicates with the video distribution system 10 via the communication network 200. Specifically, the communication device 33 receives video data Db transmitted from the video distribution system 10 via the communication network 200. The video data Db is data representing the distributed video Vb.

[0036] The display device 34 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays an image under the control of the control device 31. Specifically, the display device 34 displays the streamed video Vb represented by the video data Db received by the communication device 33. In parallel with the display of the streamed video Vb, various sound effects corresponding to the situation of the battle game may be played from the sound output device (e.g., speaker) of the terminal device 30.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the streamed video Vb. As illustrated in Figure 6, the streamed video Vb includes a gameplay video Va and a related video Vc. The gameplay video Va, as previously mentioned with reference to Figure 3, includes a gameplay image Va1 representing the situation of the game and a reference image Va2 relating to the setting conditions Cb. The related video Vc consists of various images related to the game. Specifically, the related video Vc includes a video Vc1 of player P1 playing the game and a video Vc2 of player P2 also playing the game. For example, the related video Vc may include a video of the venue where players P1 and P2 are playing the game.

[0038] The operating device 35 in Figure 5 is an input device that receives instructions from the user U. The operating device 35 is, for example, a set of controls operated by the user U, or a touch panel integrated with the display device 34. By operating the operating device 35, the user U can specify desired conditions (hereinafter referred to as "instruction conditions") Ca related to the competitive game. Specifically, one of several actions that the character O appearing in the competitive game can perform is specified as instruction condition Ca.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the image (hereinafter referred to as the "instruction reception screen") R1 displayed on the display device 34 for user U to give instruction conditions Ca. As illustrated in Figure 7, the instruction reception screen R1 has multiple options r1 that user U can select. Each of the multiple options r1 represents an action that character O can perform in the competitive game (i.e., an action that player P can instruct). User U can select any of the multiple options r1 by operating the control device 35. The selection of one option r1 by user U is equivalent to instructing the action corresponding to that option r1 as instruction condition Ca. The instruction reception screen R1 is displayed on the display device 34 in parallel with, for example, the streamed video Vb. Therefore, user U can give instruction conditions Ca while watching the streamed video Vb. It is also conceivable that the display / hide of the instruction reception screen R1 is switched according to instructions from user U.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 4, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 implements multiple functions (display control unit 311, instruction receiving unit 312, and instruction transmitting unit 313) by executing a program stored in the memory device T.

[0041] The display control unit 311 displays the distributed video Vb, represented by the video data Db received by the communication device 33, on the display device 34. The user U can view the distributed video Vb, which represents the status of the game, in real time in parallel with the progress of the game. The instruction receiving unit 312 receives the instruction condition Ca from the user U. The instruction transmitting unit 313 transmits instruction data Qa, representing the instruction condition Ca received by the instruction receiving unit 312, from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10. The instruction data Qa is transmitted to the video distribution system 10 from each of the multiple terminal devices 30 to which the distributed video Vb is distributed. Note that the instruction data Qa may be transmitted from a terminal device 30 separate from the terminal device 30 that displays the distributed video Vb. That is, the terminal device 30 on which the display control unit 311 is installed and the terminal device 30 on which the instruction receiving unit 312 and the instruction transmitting unit 313 are installed may be separate devices from each other.

[0042] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the video distribution system 10. As illustrated in Figure 8, the video distribution system 10 comprises a control device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The video distribution system 10 can be implemented as a single device or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0043] The control device 11 consists of one or more processors that control each element of the video distribution system 10, for example. Specifically, the control device 11 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0044] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, known recording media such as semiconductor recording media and magnetic recording media, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, can be used as the storage device 12.

[0045] The communication device 13 communicates with the game system 20 via the communication network 200. Specifically, the communication device 13 receives video data Da representing the gameplay video Va from the game system 20 and transmits condition data Qb representing the setting conditions Cb applied to the competitive game to the game system 20. The communication device 13 also communicates with each of the multiple terminal devices 30 via the communication network 200. Specifically, the communication device 13 transmits video data Db representing the streamed video Vb to the multiple terminal devices 30 and receives instruction data Qa representing the instruction condition Ca from the multiple terminal devices 30.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 4, the control device 11 of the video distribution system 10 implements multiple functions (video distribution unit 111, condition setting unit 112, and condition notification unit 113) by executing a program stored in the storage device 12. The device equipped with the video distribution unit 111 and the device equipped with the condition setting unit 112 and condition notification unit 113 may be configured as separate units.

[0047] The video distribution unit 111 distributes the distributed video Vb to multiple terminal devices 30. Specifically, the video distribution unit 111 generates video data Db representing the distributed video Vb and transmits the video data Db from the communication device 13 to each of the multiple terminal devices 30. The video distribution unit 111 generates video data Db for the distributed video Vb, which includes the play video Va represented by the video data Da received by the communication device 13 from the game system 20, and related video Vc recorded by the recording system (not shown). The recording system captures, for example, video Vc1 of player P1 and video Vc2 of player P2.

[0048] The condition setting unit 112 sets the setting conditions Cb that apply to the versus game in accordance with the instruction data Qa received by the communication device 13 from multiple terminal devices 30. Specifically, the condition setting unit 112 sets the setting conditions Cb in accordance with the aggregated result of the instruction data Qa (i.e., instructions from users U) received from multiple terminal devices 30. For example, the condition setting unit 112 sets the action that has the largest total number of instructions from users U among the multiple actions that character O in the versus game can perform as the setting condition Cb. In other words, the setting condition Cb is set by a majority vote of multiple users U. As can be understood from the above explanation, the condition setting unit 112 sets the setting conditions Cb related to the versus game in accordance with the instructions from users U of multiple terminal devices 30. The condition notification unit 113 notifies the game system 20 of the setting conditions Cb set by the condition setting unit 112. Specifically, the condition notification unit 113 transmits condition data Qb representing the setting conditions Cb from the communication device 13 to the game system 20.

[0049] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps taken by the information system 100 and terminal device 30 to set the setting condition Cb. The process shown in Figure 9 is executed before the start of a competitive game by the game system 20.

[0050] The instruction receiving unit 312 of the terminal device 30 displays the instruction receiving screen R1 on the display device 34 (Sa1) and receives instructions from the user U regarding the instruction receiving screen R1 (Sa2). Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 312 receives the selection of option r1 by the user U (i.e., the selection of instruction condition Ca). The instruction transmission unit 313 transmits instruction data Qa, which represents the instruction condition Ca received by the instruction receiving unit 312, from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10 (Sa3). The above operations are performed in each of the multiple terminal devices 30.

[0051] The condition setting unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 receives instruction data Qa transmitted from multiple terminal devices 30 via the communication device 13 (Sb1). The condition setting unit 112 sets the setting condition Cb from the multiple instruction data Qa (Sb2). That is, the setting condition Cb is set according to instructions from multiple users U. The condition notification unit 113 transmits condition data Qb, which represents the setting condition Cb set by the condition setting unit 112, from the communication device 13 to the game system 20 (Sb3).

[0052] The condition determination unit 212 of the game system 20 receives condition data Qb transmitted from the video distribution system 10 via the communication device 23 (Sc1). The condition determination unit 212 stores the setting condition Cb represented by the condition data Qb in the storage device 22 (Sc2). The operation regarding the setting of the setting condition Cb is as described above.

[0053] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "control process") Sd that the control device 21 of the game system 20 executes for a competitive game. After setting the setting conditions Cb using the process illustrated in Figure 9, the control process Sd in Figure 10 is started, for example, triggered by instructions from the operator of the competitive game. When the control process Sd is started, the control device 21 (condition determination unit 212) obtains the setting conditions Cb from the storage device 22 (Sd11).

[0054] The control device 21 (game control unit 211) advances the versus game according to instructions from player P1 or player P2 (Sd12). The control device 21 (condition determination unit 212) determines for each player P1 and player P2 whether the set condition Cb has been met (Sd13). If the set condition Cb has been met (Sd13: YES), the control device 21 (condition determination unit 212) updates the number of times the set condition Cb has been met N (N1, N2) (Sd14). Specifically, the control device 21 increases the number of times the set condition Cb has been met N1 if it has been met for player P1, and increases the number of times the set condition Cb has been met N2 if it has been met for player P2. If the set condition Cb has not been met for either player P1 or player P2 (Sd13: NO), the number of times the set condition has been met N is not updated.

[0055] The control device 21 (reward granting unit 213) determines whether the reward conditions have been met for each of the players P1 and P2 (Sd15). Specifically, the control device 21 determines whether the number of times the conditions have been met N has reached the target value Z. The control device 21 (reward granting unit 213) grants a reward to the player P whose reward conditions have been met (Sd16). In addition, the control device 21 of the first embodiment also grants a reward to user U among multiple users U who satisfy specific conditions. For example, a reward is granted to each user U who has instructed the setting condition Cb. If the reward conditions have not been met (Sd15: NO), no reward is granted. As described above, by granting rewards to user U who watch the streamed video Vb, an incentive to participate in the competitive game (for example, an incentive to cheer for player P, or an incentive for each user U to play the competitive game) can be provided to a large number of users U.

[0056] The control device 21 (display control unit 214) displays a gameplay video Va reflecting the current state of the battle game on the display device 25 of each game unit G (Sd17). Specifically, the control device 21 generates video data Da of the current gameplay video Va and supplies the video data Da to the display device 25. The control device 21 (display control unit 214) transmits the video data Da representing the gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 from the communication device 23 to the video distribution system 10 (Sd18).

[0057] The control device 21 determines whether the versus game has ended (Sd19). If the versus game has not ended (Sd19: NO), the control device 21 proceeds to step Sd12. That is, the process from step Sd12 to step Sd19 is repeated until the versus game ends. If the versus game has ended (Sd19: YES), the control device 21 terminates the control process Sd.

[0058] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "distribution process") Se that the control device 11 of the video distribution system 10 executes for the distribution of the video Vb. For example, the distribution process Se in Figure 11 is started in response to instructions from the operator of the video distribution system 10. The distribution process Se is executed in parallel with the progress of the competitive game (control process Sd).

[0059] When the distribution process Se begins, the control device 11 receives video data Da transmitted from the game system 20 via the communication device 13 (Se1). The control device 11 (video distribution unit 111) generates a distributed video Vb by combining the gameplay video Va represented by the video data Da with related video Vc separately obtained from the recording system (Se2). The control device 11 (video distribution unit 111) transmits video data Db representing the distributed video Vb from the communication device 13 to multiple terminal devices 30 (Se3). The control device 31 of each terminal device 30 uses the video data Db received by the communication device 33 from the video distribution system 10 to display the distributed video Vb on the display device 34.

[0060] The control device 11 of the video distribution system 10 determines whether or not to terminate the distribution process Se (Se4). If the distribution process Se is not terminated (Se4: NO), the control device 11 moves the process to step Se1. That is, the transmission of video data Db to each terminal device 30 (Se1 to Se3) is repeated. On the other hand, for example, if the transmission of video data Da by the game system 20 is completed, or if the operator of the video distribution system 10 instructs it to terminate, the control device 11 terminates the distribution process Se (Se4: YES).

[0061] As described above, in the first embodiment, the user U of the terminal device 30 can not only passively watch the streamed video Vb, but also participate in setting the setting conditions Cb that are applied to the competitive game. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only the user U of each terminal device 30 watches the streamed video Vb, it is possible to promote viewing of the streamed video Vb by a large number of users U.

[0062] In the first embodiment, a streamed video Vb including a reference image Va2 is displayed on each user U's terminal device 30. That is, users U watching the streamed video Vb can check the reference image Va2 regarding the success or failure of the set condition Cb in the competitive game, along with the competitive game image Va1. Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the streamed video Vb by a large number of users U is particularly remarkable. Furthermore, the reference image Va2 includes the number of times the set condition Cb has been met N(N1,N2). Since the number of times it has been met N is updated in conjunction with the progress of the competitive game, there is also the advantage of providing an incentive for a large number of users U to continue watching the streamed video Vb.

[0063] Furthermore, a game image Va1 representing the status of the game and a reference image Va2 relating to the result of the judgment regarding the setting condition Cb are displayed to the players P (P1, P2) of the game. Therefore, an incentive can be given to players P to play the game in a way that satisfies the setting condition Cb. In particular, in the first embodiment, since the setting condition Cb is set to the character O controlled by player P in the game performing a conditional action, an incentive can be given to player P to operate character O in a way that performs a conditional action related to the setting condition Cb.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a reward is given to player P when the reward conditions, including the setting condition Cb, are met. Therefore, an incentive can be given to player P to play the competitive game in a way that satisfies the setting condition Cb.

[0065] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In each of the embodiments described below, elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment will use the same reference numerals as in the description of the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the gameplay video Va displayed on the display device 25 of each game unit G in the game system 20 of the second embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 12, the gameplay video Va of the second embodiment consists of the battle game image Va1 illustrated in the first embodiment. That is, the gameplay video Va does not include the reference image Va2.

[0067] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information system 100 in the second embodiment. The display control unit 214 of the game system 20 supplies video data Da, which represents the play video Va shown in Figure 12, to each display device 25, thereby displaying the play video Va on the display device 25. The display control unit 214 also transmits the video data Da and judgment data X to the video distribution system 10 via the communication device 23. The judgment data X is data relating to the result of the condition determination unit 212 determining the set condition Cb. Specifically, the judgment data X represents the number of times the set condition Cb is met N(N1,N2).

[0068] In the distribution process Se, the control device 11 (video distribution unit 111) receives video data Da and judgment data X transmitted from the game system 20 (Se1). The control device 11 (video distribution unit 111) then generates a distributed video Vb by combining the play video Va represented by the video data Da, a reference image Va2 corresponding to the judgment data X, and a related video Vc obtained from the recording system (Se2). Specifically, the control device 11 generates a reference image Va2 that includes setting conditions Cb set according to instructions from multiple users U, the number of successful cases N (N1, N2) represented by the judgment data X, and a predetermined target value Z. The video data Db representing the distributed video Vb generated by the above procedure is transmitted from the communication device 13 to each terminal device 30 (Se3).

[0069] As can be understood from the above explanation, the streamed video Vb displayed on the display device 34 of each terminal device 30 includes a reference image Va2 along with the battle game image Va1, similar to the first embodiment. That is, users U who watch the streamed video Vb can confirm whether the setting conditions Cb in the battle game are met or not, along with the battle game image Va1. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to promote viewing of the streamed video Vb by a large number of users U. On the other hand, the display device 25 of the game system 20 displays a play video Va (battle game image Va1) that does not include the reference image Va2. Therefore, there is an advantage that each player P can concentrate on playing the battle game.

[0070] [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the setting condition Cb was exemplified as an item whose success or failure is not determined within the versus game (specifically, whether character O performs a conditional action). In the third embodiment, the setting condition Cb is an item that restricts the progress of the versus game (i.e., a constraint condition). Specifically, the setting condition Cb in the third embodiment is to limit the actions of each character O in the versus game to a specific conditional action. Note that prohibiting a conditional action may also be set as the setting condition Cb.

[0071] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information system 100 and terminal device 30 in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 14, the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 and video distribution system 10 is the same as in the first embodiment. The control device 21 of the game system 20 in the third embodiment implements a game control unit 211, a reward granting unit 213, and a display control unit 214. In other words, the condition determination unit 212 in the first embodiment is omitted in the third embodiment.

[0072] The operation for setting the setting condition Cb is the same as the operation of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 9. Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 312 of each terminal device 30 receives a selection from the user U of one of the multiple options r1 displayed on the instruction receiving screen R1 (Sa1, Sa2). The selection of option r1 by the user U corresponds to instructing the operation corresponding to that option r1 as an instruction condition Ca (conditional operation). The instruction transmission unit 313 transmits instruction data Qa representing the instruction condition Ca received from the user U from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10 (Sa3).

[0073] The condition setting unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 receives instruction data Qa transmitted from multiple terminal devices 30 via the communication device 13 (Sb1). The condition setting unit 112 sets a setting condition Cb from the multiple instruction data Qa (Sb2). For example, the condition setting unit 112 sets the action that has the largest total number of instructions from user U among the multiple actions that character O in the fighting game can perform as the setting condition Cb (condition action). The condition notification unit 113 transmits condition data Qb representing the setting condition Cb set by the condition setting unit 112 to the game system 20 from the communication device 13 (Sb3).

[0074] The game control unit 211 of the game system 20 receives condition data Qb transmitted from the video distribution system 10 via the communication device 23 (Sc1). The game control unit 211 stores the setting condition Cb represented by the condition data Qb in the storage device 22 (Sc2). The operation related to setting the setting condition Cb is as described above.

[0075] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the specific procedure of the control process Sd in the third embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the control process Sd is started after the setting condition Cb is set. When the control process Sd is started, the control device 21 (condition determination unit 212) obtains the setting condition Cb from the storage device 22 (Sd21).

[0076] The control device 21 (game control unit 211) proceeds with the versus game in response to instructions from player P1 or player P2 (Sd22). In the third embodiment, the control device 21 proceeds with the versus game under set conditions Cb. That is, character O is prohibited from performing any action other than the conditional action. Specifically, the control device 21 causes character O to perform a conditional action when player P instructs it to do so, while ignoring any instructions from player P for any action other than the conditional action.

[0077] The control device 21 (reward granting unit 213) determines whether the reward condition has been met for each of Player P1 and Player P2 (Sd23). The reward condition in the third embodiment is a predetermined condition based on the setting condition Cb. Specifically, the reward condition is set to be winning against an opponent in a competitive game under the setting condition Cb. If either Player P wins the competitive game proceeding under the setting condition Cb, the determination result in step Sd23 becomes positive. The control device 21 (reward granting unit 213) grants a reward to the Player P whose reward condition has been met (Sd24). For example, a predetermined amount of points is granted to Player P. On the other hand, if the reward condition has not been met (Sd23: NO), no reward is granted.

[0078] Furthermore, the control device 21 (reward granting unit 213), similar to the first embodiment, grants rewards to each of the multiple users U. For example, if the reward condition is met, the reward granting unit 213 grants rewards to one or more users U who have specified the setting condition Cb. Specifically, a predetermined value is added to the number of points M held by each user U who specified the setting condition Cb. This configuration has the advantage of providing an incentive for a large number of users U to participate in the competitive game. It should also be noted that a configuration in which rewards are granted to all users U who specified the setting condition Cb, regardless of whether the reward condition is met or not, is also conceivable.

[0079] Similar to the first embodiment, each user U may specify the reward to be given to player P upon fulfillment of the reward conditions. Specifically, the reward granting unit 213 determines the type or quantity of reward to be given to player P when the reward conditions are met, in accordance with instructions from multiple users U. For example, a configuration in which the type of reward is determined by a majority vote of multiple users U, or a configuration in which a representative value (e.g., the average value) of the quantities specified by multiple users U is determined as the reward amount, is conceivable. Furthermore, the reward to be given to each user U may also be determined in accordance with instructions from multiple users U, similar to the reward for each player P.

[0080] The control device 21 (display control unit 214) displays a gameplay video Va reflecting the current state of the battle game on each display device 25 (Sd25). Specifically, the control device 21 generates video data Da of the current gameplay video Va and supplies the video data Da to the display device 25.

[0081] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the gameplay video Va in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 16, the gameplay video Va in the third embodiment is an image that includes a battle game image Va1 and a reference image Va2. The battle game image Va1 is a video that represents the status of the battle game, similar to the first embodiment, and includes characters O1 and O2 placed in the virtual space. On the other hand, the reference image Va2 is an image related to the setting conditions Cb. Specifically, the reward conditions, including the setting conditions Cb (conditional actions) in response to instructions from the user U, are displayed on the display device 25 as the reference image Va2. As illustrated above, the display control unit 214 of the third embodiment displays the battle game image Va1 representing the status of the battle game and the reference image Va2 representing the setting conditions Cb (constraint conditions) for each player P. Note that the configuration of the second embodiment, in which the gameplay video Va does not include the reference image Va2, may also be applied to the third embodiment. In addition, the type or quantity of reward given to each player P may be displayed on the reference image Va2. By displaying the rewards in the gameplay video (Va), each player (P) can be incentivized to aim for good results even under the constraints related to the set conditions (Cb).

[0082] The control device 21 (display control unit 214) transmits video data Da representing the play video Va displayed by the display device 25 from the communication device 23 to the video distribution system 10 (Sd26). That is, video data Da of the play video Va, which includes the versus game image Va1 and the reference image Va2, is transmitted to the video distribution system 10. The control device 21 determines whether the versus game has ended or not (Sd27). If the versus game has not ended (Sd27: NO), the control device 21 proceeds to step Sd22. That is, the processing from step Sd22 to step Sd27 is repeated until the versus game ends. If the versus game has ended (Sd27: YES), the control device 21 terminates the control process Sd.

[0083] The distribution process Se performed by the video distribution system 10 is the same procedure as the distribution process Se of the first embodiment described above, with reference to Figure 11. That is, video data Db of the distribution video Vb, which includes the play video Va and related video Vc, is transmitted from the video distribution system 10 to each terminal device 30. The control device 31 of each terminal device 30 uses the video data Db received by the communication device 33 from the video distribution system 10 to display the distribution video Vb on the display device 34.

[0084] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the distributed video Vb in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 17, the distributed video Vb in the third embodiment includes a gameplay video Va and a related video Vc. The gameplay video Va includes a gameplay image Va1 representing the status of the gameplay and a reference image Va2 representing the setting conditions Cb (constraint conditions), as illustrated in Figure 16. The related video Vc is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0085] As described above, in the third embodiment, the user U of the terminal device 30 can not only passively watch the streamed video Vb, but also participate in setting the setting conditions Cb that are applied to the competitive game. Therefore, in the third embodiment as well, it is possible to promote viewing of the streamed video Vb by a large number of users U.

[0086] In the first embodiment, a streamed video Vb including a reference image Va2 is displayed on each user U's terminal device 30. That is, users U who view the streamed video Vb can confirm the constraints in the competitive game (reference image Va2) together with the competitive game image Va1. Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the streamed video Vb by a large number of users U is particularly remarkable.

[0087] Furthermore, a game image Va1 representing the status of the game and a reference image Va2 representing the setting conditions Cb are displayed to the players P (P1, P2) of the game. Therefore, each player P can check the setting conditions Cb (constraint conditions) in parallel with playing the game, in response to instructions from the user U. In addition, in the third embodiment, a reward is given to player P when the reward condition based on the setting conditions Cb is met. Therefore, an incentive can be given to player P to play the game under the setting conditions Cb.

[0088] [Fourth Embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, an example was given in which the reward granting unit 213 grants a predetermined amount of points as a reward to player P when the reward conditions are met (Sd15:YES, Sd23:YES). In the fourth embodiment, the reward granting unit 213 grants rewards to player P in accordance with instructions from multiple users U. Specifically, a quantity of points (hereinafter referred to as "reward amount") corresponding to the instructions from users U is granted to player P.

[0089] The operation in the fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 9. The instruction receiving unit 312 of the terminal device 30 displays an image (hereinafter referred to as the "instruction receiving screen") R2 for the user U to specify the amount of reward on the display device 34, in addition to the instruction receiving screen R1 similar to that in the first embodiment (Sa1).

[0090] As illustrated in Figure 18, the instruction reception screen R2 displays multiple options r2 corresponding to different reward amounts. User U can select one of the multiple options r2 by operating the operating device 35. The instruction reception unit 312 receives the selection of option r1 by user U (i.e., the selection of instruction condition Ca) and the selection of option r2 (the instruction of the reward amount) (Sa2). The instruction transmission unit 313 transmits instruction data Qa, which represents the instruction condition Ca and reward amount received by the instruction reception unit 312, from the communication device 33 to the video distribution system 10 (Sa3). A configuration in which user U can specify the reward amount numerically is also conceivable.

[0091] The condition setting unit 112 of the video distribution system 10 receives instruction data Qa transmitted from multiple terminal devices 30 via the communication device 13 (Sb1). The condition setting unit 112 uses the multiple instruction data Qa to set the setting condition Cb and the reward amount (Sb2). The method for setting the setting condition Cb is the same as in the first embodiment. The condition setting unit 112 also sets the reward amount to be actually applied to the competitive game based on the aggregated reward amounts instructed by each user U. Specifically, the condition setting unit 112 determines the reward amount that has the largest total number of instructions from user U as the reward amount to be actually applied to the competitive game. In other words, the reward amount is set by majority vote of multiple users U. The condition notification unit 113 notifies the game system 20 of the setting condition Cb and reward amount set by the condition setting unit 112 (Sb3). Specifically, the condition notification unit 113 transmits condition data Qb representing the setting condition Cb and reward amount from the communication device 13 to the game system 20. The condition data Qb is received by the communication device 23 (Sc1), and the setting condition Cb and reward amount represented by the condition data Qb are stored in the storage device 22 (Sc2).

[0092] In the control process Sd (Figures 10 and 15), if the reward conditions are met (Sd15: YES, Sd23: YES), the control device 21 (reward granting unit 213) grants the player P the reward amount stored in the memory device 22 (Sd16, Sd24). In other words, the reward granting unit 213 grants the player P a reward in accordance with instructions from multiple users U.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, the same effects as in the first or third embodiment are achieved. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the user U of the terminal device 30 can participate in setting the rewards given to the player P. Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the distributed video Vb by a large number of users U is particularly remarkable.

[0094] [Differentiation] Each of the forms exemplified above can be modified in various ways. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to each of the aforementioned forms are given below. Two or more forms arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be merged to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0095] (1) In each of the above-described forms, the setting condition Cb was set by a majority vote of multiple users U. However, the specific method for setting the setting condition Cb in response to instructions from users U is not limited to the above examples. For example, the setting condition Cb may be set in response to instructions from one or more users U selected from among multiple users U by a predetermined rule or randomly. Alternatively, the setting condition Cb may be set in response to instructions from one or more users U who satisfy a predetermined condition. The video distribution system 10 may notify each user U's terminal device 30 of the name of the user U selected as the setter of the setting condition Cb (i.e., the representative of the multiple users U).

[0096] (2) The method by which the reward distribution unit 213 determines the reward to be given to each player P or each user U in response to instructions from multiple users U is arbitrary. For example, a configuration in which the type or quantity of the reward is determined in response to instructions from the first user U among the multiple users U, or a configuration in which the cumulative value of the quantities indicated by multiple users U is determined as the quantity of the reward.

[0097] (3) In the first embodiment, a setting condition Cb relating to one type of conditional action was exemplified, but the setting condition Cb may include multiple conditional actions. That is, in a competitive game, the setting condition Cb may be set to indicate that character O performs one of multiple conditional actions. The condition determination unit 212 determines whether each of the multiple conditional actions relating to the setting condition Cb is successful or not. The condition setting unit 112 may set multiple setting conditions Cb corresponding to different conditional actions. The condition determination unit 212 determines whether each of the multiple setting conditions Cb is successful or not.

[0098] Similarly, in the third embodiment, the setting condition Cb may include multiple conditional actions. The game control unit 211 proceeds with the versus game under the setting condition Cb, which restricts the actions of each character O to multiple conditional actions. The condition setting unit 112 may set multiple setting conditions Cb corresponding to different conditional actions. The game control unit 211 proceeds with the versus game under multiple setting conditions Cb. Furthermore, the third embodiment exemplifies a configuration in which actions other than conditional actions are prohibited. However, in a configuration in which actions other than conditional actions are also permitted, it is conceivable that the reward granting unit 213 determines that the reward condition is not met if an action other than a conditional action is performed.

[0099] (4) In each of the above-described configurations, a common setting condition Cb is set for player P1 and player P2, but separate setting conditions Cb may be set for player P1 and player P2. That is, the setting condition Cb for player P1 and the setting condition Cb for player P2 may be different. Each user U specifies the instruction condition Ca for player P1 and player P2, respectively.

[0100] (5) In each of the above-described forms, the number of times the condition Cb is met by player P1 N1 and the number of times the condition is met by player P2 N2 were counted separately. However, the number of times the condition Cb is met by either player P1 or player P2 may be counted as the number of times the condition is met N. That is, the number of times the condition is met N is the sum of the number of times the condition is met N1 for player P1 and the number of times the condition is met N2 for player P2.

[0101] (6) In the first embodiment, a special visual effect may be output when the setting condition Cb is met. For example, when the setting condition Cb is met, the control device 21 of the game system 20 displays a specific visual image E on the display device 25, as illustrated in Figure 19. The visual image E is an image that represents the awarding of a reward (points) to the player P. The control device 21 may also play a specific sound effect on the sound output device when the setting condition Cb is met. Similarly, the control device 31 of the terminal device 30 displays a predetermined visual image on the display device 34 and plays a predetermined sound effect on the sound output device when the setting condition Cb is met.

[0102] (7) In each of the above-described forms, examples were given of cases where the play video Va displayed on the game system 20 and the streamed video Vb displayed on the terminal device 30 are different, but the play video Va may also be displayed on the terminal device 30 as the streamed video Vb. In other words, the play video Va and the streamed video Vb may be the same.

[0103] (8) Player P may be rewarded when the reward conditions are met in exchange for the consumption of a predetermined amount of value medium owned by each user U. The value medium is, for example, currency (e.g., electronic money) or points. Points include, for example, prepaid points acquired in advance by user U through the consumption of currency, etc. Instructions for instruction conditions Ca and reward amounts are permitted subject to the payment process in which user U consumes a predetermined amount of currency or points. That is, the reward to player P may be realized as a tip (donation or act of support) from each user U.

[0104] (9) In each of the above embodiments, points were used as an example of the reward given to each player P, but the type of reward is not limited to the above examples. For example, an item usable in a competitive game, or the right to participate in a specific event in a competitive game, may be given to player P as a reward when the reward conditions are met. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the quantity of the reward (reward amount) given to player P when the reward conditions are met was set according to instructions from each user U, but the items set according to instructions from each user U are not limited to the reward amount. For example, the type of reward may be set according to instructions from user U of each terminal device 30.

[0105] (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the video distribution system 10 is provided with a video distribution unit 111, a condition setting unit 112, and a condition notification unit 113, and the game system 20 is provided with a game control unit 211, a condition determination unit 212, a reward granting unit 213, and a display control unit 214. However, the location in which each element is installed is not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration in which the condition setting unit 112 is mounted on the game system 20, or a configuration in which the condition determination unit 212 or the reward granting unit 213 is mounted on the video distribution system 10 is also conceivable.

[0106] (11) In the embodiments described above, competitive games in which player P1 and player P2 compete against each other were given as examples, but the type of game in the present invention is arbitrary. For example, the present invention is applicable to any game such as a lottery game in which a lottery process such as a physical lottery or an electronic lottery is performed, a competitive game in which multiple players P compete, for example, in a sports or board game, a music game in which players P act in accordance with music, an action game in which players P achieve various objectives by controlling character O, and an exploration game in which players P explore various places by controlling character O. As can be understood from the above examples, the number of players P in a game to which the present invention is applicable is arbitrary. That is, the present invention is applicable not only to games in which multiple players P compete or cooperate, but also to games played by one player P.

[0107] (12) In the first embodiment, the execution of a conditional action by character O was given as an example of setting condition Cb, but the content of setting condition Cb is not limited to the above examples and is selected appropriately depending on the type or content of the game. For example, winning a specific prize in a lottery game, a specific event (e.g., scoring) occurring in a competitive game, player P's actions perfectly matching a specific point in time in a music game, character O performing a specific action in an action game, a specific character or item appearing in an exploration game, player P selecting a specific option from among multiple options, etc. Any matter in the game whose success or failure is not yet determined (i.e., matters whose success or failure changes as the game progresses) can be set as setting condition Cb. As can be understood from the above examples, it is not necessary for setting condition Cb to be a condition relating to character O.

[0108] (13) In the third embodiment, limiting the actions of character O to specific conditional actions was given as an example of a setting condition Cb (constraint condition), but the content of setting condition Cb is not limited to the above examples and is selected appropriately depending on the type or content of the game. For example, limiting the number of draws in a draw game, limiting the virtual environment (e.g., the competition venue) in which the game takes place in a competition game, limiting the music played in a music game, limiting the time to achieve a predetermined objective in an action game, limiting the items that can be used in an exploration game, limiting the selection of a specific option from among multiple options, etc. Any thing that restricts the progress of the game can be set as setting condition Cb. For example, in a baseball game, limiting the types of pitches that a pitcher can throw to a specific type of pitch (e.g., a fastball) is given as an example of setting condition Cb.

[0109] (14) In each of the above-described configurations, the setting conditions Cb were set in accordance with instructions from the user U of each terminal device 30, but the setting conditions Cb may also be set in accordance with instructions from, for example, the operator running the competitive game event. Similarly, the rewards given to player P may also be set in accordance with instructions from the operator instead of the user U. In a configuration in which the operator sets the rewards, if the reward conditions are met, the reward granting unit 213 may grant the rewards to both player P and user U.

[0110] (15) In each of the above-described embodiments, video data Db representing the distributed video Vb is transmitted from the video distribution system 10 to the terminal device 30, but the content of the video data Db is not limited to the above examples. For example, video data Db representing the content of operations performed by each player P (so-called replay data) may be transmitted from the video distribution system 10 to the terminal device 30. The control device 31 of the terminal device 30 reproduces the play video Va by processing similar to the game control (Sd12, Sd22) performed by the control device 21 of the game system 20, and displays the distributed video Vb including the play video Va on the display device 34. As can be understood from the above examples, the distribution of the distributed video Vb means the process by which the terminal device 30 transmits video data Db that can display the distributed video Vb to the terminal device 30, and the format of the video data Db is arbitrary. That is, in addition to data that directly represents the play video Va as in the above-described embodiments, replay data representing the content of operations performed by player P is also included in the concept of video data Db.

[0111] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the video data Db represents the elements constituting the distributed video Vb or the positions of each element. The display control unit 311 of the terminal device 30 generates the distributed video Vb using the video data Db and displays the distributed video Vb on the display device 34. In addition, a part of the distributed video Vb may be stored in the storage device 32 of the terminal device 30. The display control unit 311 generates the distributed video Vb by adding the images stored in the storage device 32 to the video represented by the video data Db and displays the distributed video Vb on the display device 34.

[0112] As can be understood from the above explanation, the video data Db(Da) is comprehensively represented as data for displaying the streamed video Vb on the display device 34. In other words, the concept of video data Db includes not only the data representing the streamed video Vb itself, but also data used in the processing for displaying the streamed video Vb (for example, data used to generate the streamed video Vb).

[0113] (16) In each of the above-described forms, a configuration is also conceivable in which each player P can refuse to have the setting conditions Cb, which are set in response to instructions from each user U, applied to the game. Each player P can choose to accept or reject the setting conditions Cb by operating the control device 24. If a player P rejects the setting conditions Cb, the game control unit 211 proceeds with the game with the setting conditions Cb disabled. That is, in the first embodiment, the success or failure of the setting conditions Cb is not determined, and in the third embodiment, the game proceeds without any constraints imposed by the setting conditions Cb. Furthermore, if a player P accepts the setting conditions Cb, the reward granting unit 213 grants a reward to the player P upon fulfillment of the reward conditions, and if a player P rejects the setting conditions Cb, the reward granting unit 213 does not grant a reward to the player P even if the reward conditions are fulfilled. With the above configuration, it is possible to create a bargaining dynamic between the user U involved in setting the setting conditions Cb and the player P aiming to acquire rewards.

[0114] (17) In the above-described configurations, examples were given in which both Player P and User U are rewarded, but configurations in which only one of Player P or User U is rewarded are also conceivable. Furthermore, in the above-described configurations, examples were given in which Player P and User U are rewarded with the same type of reward (points), but the type of reward given to Player P and the type of reward given to User U may differ. For example, points consumed for playing a competitive game or acquiring items in a competitive game may be given to Player P, and points consumed for watching videos distributed by the video distribution system 10 may be given to User U. The points given to User U may be consumed, for example, for watching a specific video, purchasing items related to a video, or providing them to the performers in the video (so-called tips).

[0115] (18) The functions of the information system 100 in each of the above-described forms are realized through the cooperation of one or more processors (control devices 11, 21) and a program. The program in each of the above-described forms can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. A non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0116] [Note] From the above description, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows. For the sake of ease of understanding each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[0117] [Note A1] An information system (100) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 1) comprises: a video distribution unit (111) that distributes a video distribution (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30); a condition setting unit (112) that sets setting conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30); a game control unit (211) that controls the game; and a condition determination unit (212) that determines whether the setting conditions (Cb) in the game are met or not. With this configuration, users (U) of the terminal devices (30) can not only watch the video distribution (Vb) of the game, but also participate in setting the setting conditions (Cb) that apply to the game. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only users (U) of each terminal device (30) watch the video distribution (Vb), it is possible to promote viewing of the video distribution (Vb) by a large number of users (U).

[0118] The type of "game" is arbitrary. For example, the present invention applies to any type of game, regardless of the number or relationship of the players (P), such as a game in which multiple players (P) compete against each other, a game in which multiple players (P) aim to achieve a common objective, or a game in which one player (P) aims to achieve a predetermined objective.

[0119] "Streaming video (Vb)" is any image that allows the user (U) watching the video to understand the game situation. Typically, a streaming video (Vb) similar to the gameplay video (Va) seen by the player (P) is streamed to the terminal device (30), but the gameplay video (Va) seen by the player (P) and the streaming video (Vb) streamed to the terminal device (30) do not need to be identical.

[0120] "Setting conditions (Cb)" encompass both matters within the game whose success or failure is not yet determined (i.e., matters whose success or failure changes as the game progresses) and matters that constrain the game's progress (i.e., constraints). The former setting conditions (Cb) are, for example, the occurrence of a specific event within the game. A specific event is, for example, a character (O) appearing in the game performing a specific action (e.g., a special move), or a specific situation occurring as the game progresses. The latter setting conditions (Cb) are, for example, constraints on the actions of a character (O) appearing in the game, constraints on items used in the game, or temporal constraints on the game's progress (e.g., a time limit for achieving a specific objective).

[0121] The specific method for setting the setting conditions (Cb) in response to instructions from users (U) of the terminal device (30) is arbitrary. For example, the condition setting unit (112) sets the setting conditions (Cb) in response to the aggregated results of instructions from multiple users (U). For example, it is conceivable that the condition with the largest total number of instructions from users (U) among several conditions prepared in advance is selected as the setting condition (Cb) (i.e., by majority vote). Alternatively, the setting conditions (Cb) may be set in response to instructions from one or more users (U) who satisfy specific conditions among multiple users (U).

[0122] The "information system (100)" may consist of one or more devices. For example, the information system (100) may comprise a video distribution system (10) and a game system (20). The video distribution system (10) comprises a video distribution unit (111) and a condition setting unit (112), and the game system (20) comprises a game control unit (211) and a condition determination unit (212). However, a functional distinction between the video distribution system (10) and the game system (20) is not essential. For example, the information system (100) may consist of a single device. Furthermore, a configuration in which the condition setting unit (112) is provided by the game system (20), or a configuration in which the condition determination unit (212) is provided by the video distribution system (10), is also conceivable.

[0123] [Appendix A2] In the specific example of Appendix A1 (Appendix A2), the streamed video (Vb) includes a reference image (Va2) relating to the result of the determination by the condition determination unit (212). With this configuration, a user (U) viewing the streamed video (Vb) using a terminal device (30) can confirm the reference image (Va2) relating to the success or failure of the set condition (Cb) together with the game image (Va1). Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the streamed video (Vb) by a large number of users (U) is particularly remarkable.

[0124] The "reference image (Va2)" is an arbitrary image that changes according to the result of determining whether the setting condition (Cb) is met or not, such as an image that directly represents whether the setting condition (Cb) is met or an image that represents the number of times the setting condition (Cb) has been met. The determination of whether the setting condition (Cb) is met or not is typically performed by the game system (20), but it may also be performed by the video distribution system (10) or another computer system.

[0125] [Note A3] In the specific example of Appendix A2 (Appendix A3), the reference image (Va2) includes the number of times the setting condition (Cb) has been met. With the above configuration, the reference image (Va2) including the number of times the setting condition (Cb) has been met is displayed on the terminal device (30). Therefore, an incentive to continue watching the streamed video (Vb) can be provided to a large number of users (U).

[0126] [Note A4] An information system (100) relating to any specific example (Appendix A4) of Appendix A1 to A3 comprises a display control unit (214) that displays a game image (Va1) representing the status of the game and a reference image (Va2) relating to the result of the determination by the condition determination unit (212) to one or more players (P). With this configuration, the player (P) can check whether the setting condition (Cb) set in response to instructions from the user (U) has been met in parallel with playing the game. Therefore, the player (P) can be given an incentive to play the game in such a way that the setting condition (Cb) is met.

[0127] [Note A5] In any specific example from Appendix A1 to Appendix A4 (Appendix A5), the setting condition (Cb) is that a character (O) operated by one or more players (P) in the game performs a specific action. With the above configuration, an incentive can be given to the player (P) to operate the character (O) to perform the specific action related to the setting condition (Cb).

[0128] [Note A6] An information system (100) relating to any specific example (Appendix A6) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A5 includes a reward granting unit (213) that grants a reward to one or more players (P) when the reward conditions, including the fulfillment of the setting conditions (Cb), are met. With this configuration, a reward is granted to the player (P) when the reward conditions are met. Therefore, an incentive can be given to the player (P) to play the game in a way that fulfills the setting conditions (Cb).

[0129] [Note A7] In the specific example in Appendix A6 (Appendix A7), the reward granting unit (213) grants the reward set in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the multiple terminal devices (30). With this configuration, the user (U) of the terminal device (30) can participate in setting the reward granted to the player (P). Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the streamed video (Vb) by a large number of users (U) is particularly remarkable.

[0130] [Note A8] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A8) distributes a video stream (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30), while setting setting conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30), controlling the game, and determining whether the setting conditions (Cb) in the game are met.

[0131] [Note A9] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A9) causes a computer system to function as follows: a video distribution unit (111) that distributes a video distribution (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30); a condition setting unit (112) that sets setting conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30); a game control unit (211) that controls the game; and a condition determination unit (212) that determines whether the setting conditions (Cb) in the game are met or not.

[0132] [Note A10] A video distribution system (10) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A10) comprises a video distribution unit (111) that distributes a video distribution (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) using a game system (20) to a plurality of terminal devices (30); a condition setting unit (112) that sets setting conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30); and a condition notification unit (113) that notifies the game system (20) of the setting conditions (Cb).

[0133] [Note B1] An information system (100) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B1) comprises: a video distribution unit (111) that distributes a video distribution (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30); a condition setting unit (112) that sets constraint conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30); and a game control unit (211) that advances the game under the constraint conditions (Cb). With this configuration, users (U) of the terminal devices (30) can not only watch the video distribution (Vb) of the game, but also participate in setting the constraint conditions (Cb) applied to the game. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only the user (U) of each terminal device (30) watches the video distribution (Vb), it is possible to promote viewing of the video distribution (Vb) by a large number of users (U).

[0134] A "constraint (Cb)" is something that restricts the progress of the game. For example, constraints on the actions of characters (O) in the game, constraints on items used in the game, or temporal constraints on the progress of the game (e.g., a time limit for achieving a specific objective) are specific examples of constraints (Cb).

[0135] The specific method for setting constraint conditions (Cb) in response to instructions from users (U) of the terminal device (30) is arbitrary. For example, the condition setting unit (112) sets constraint conditions (Cb) in response to the aggregated results of instructions from multiple users (U). For example, it is conceivable that the condition with the largest total number of instructions from users (U) among several conditions prepared in advance is selected as the constraint condition (Cb) (i.e., by majority vote). Alternatively, constraint conditions (Cb) may be set in response to instructions from one or more users (U) who satisfy specific conditions among multiple users (U).

[0136] "Under the constraint (Cb)" means that the occurrence of any event (e.g., an action or state) that contradicts the constraint (Cb) is prohibited in the game. For example, if a constraint (Cb) is set for a character (O) in a game where multiple players (P) compete, that character (O) must "win only by performing a specific action," then the game proceeds under the condition that the character (O) is prohibited from performing any action other than the specific action permitted by the constraint (Cb).

[0137] The "information system (100)" may consist of one or more systems. For example, the information system (100) may comprise a video distribution system (10) and a game system (20). The video distribution system (10) may comprise a video distribution unit (111) and a condition setting unit (112), and the game system (20) may comprise a game control unit (211). However, a functional distinction between the video distribution system (10) and the game system (20) is not essential. For example, the information system (100) may consist of a single device. Furthermore, a configuration in which the condition setting unit (112) is provided by the game system (20) is also conceivable.

[0138] [Note B2] In the specific example of Appendix B1 (Appendix B2), the streamed video (Vb) includes a reference image (Va2) representing the constraint condition (Cb). With this configuration, a user (U) viewing the streamed video (Vb) using a terminal device (30) can confirm the constraint condition (Cb) together with the game image (Va1).

[0139] [Note B3] An information system (100) relating to a specific example of Appendix B1 or Appendix B2 (Appendix B3) includes a display control unit (214) that displays a game image (Va1) representing the game status and a reference image (Va2) representing the constraints (Cb) to one or more players (P). With this configuration, players (P) can check the constraints (Cb) set in response to instructions from the user (U) in parallel with playing the game.

[0140] [Note B4] An information system (100) relating to any specific example (Appendix B4) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B3 includes a reward granting unit (213) that grants a reward to one or more players (P) when a predetermined reward condition is met under the constraint condition (Cb). With this configuration, a reward is granted to players (P) when the reward condition is met under the constraint condition (Cb). Therefore, an incentive can be given to players (P) to play the game under the constraint condition (Cb).

[0141] [Note B5] In the specific example of Appendix B4 (Appendix B5), the reward-granting unit (213) grants the reward set in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the multiple terminal devices (30). With this configuration, the user (U) of the terminal device (30) can participate in setting the reward granted to the player (P). Therefore, the effect of promoting viewing of the streamed video (Vb) by a large number of users (U) is particularly remarkable.

[0142] [Note B6] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B6) involves distributing a video stream (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30), while simultaneously setting constraints (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30), and proceeding with the game under the constraints (Cb).

[0143] [Note B7] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B7) causes a computer system to function as a video distribution unit (111) that distributes a video distribution (Vb) including a game image (Va1) representing the status of a game played by one or more players (P) to a plurality of terminal devices (30); a condition setting unit (112) that sets constraint conditions (Cb) related to the game in response to instructions from a user (U) of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices (30); and a game control unit (211) that advances the game under the constraint conditions (Cb). [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 100...Information system, 200...Communication network, 10...Video distribution system, 11,21,31...Control device, 12,22,32...Storage device, 13,23,33...Communication device, 20...Game system, 24,35...Operating device, 25,34...Display device, G(G1,G2)...Game unit, 30...Terminal device, 111...Video distribution unit, 112...Condition setting unit, 113...Condition notification unit, 211...Game control unit, 212...Condition determination unit, 213...Reward granting unit, 214...Display control unit, 311...Display control unit, 312...Instruction reception unit, 313...Instruction transmission unit.

Claims

1. a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a distribution video including game images that represent the status of a game being played by one or more players to a plurality of terminal devices; a condition setting unit that sets constraint conditions for the game in response to an instruction from a user of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices; a game control unit that progresses the game under the constraints; An information system that has the following:

2. The distribution video includes a reference image that represents the constraint. The information system of claim 1.

3. a display control unit that displays a game image representing the game situation and a reference image representing the constraint conditions to the one or more players; 3. The information system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the one or more players when a predetermined reward condition is met under the constraint condition for the one or more players; 4. The information system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The reward granting unit grants the reward set in response to an instruction from a user of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices.

5. The information system of claim 4, comprising:

6. Transmitting video data for displaying a distribution video including game images showing the status of a game played by one or more players to a plurality of terminal devices, setting constraints on the game in response to instructions from users of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices; The game is progressed under the constraints. An information processing method implemented by a computer system.

7. a video distribution unit that transmits video data for displaying a distribution video including game images representing the status of a game played by one or more players to a plurality of terminal devices; a condition setting unit that sets constraint conditions for the game in response to an instruction from a user of one or more of the plurality of terminal devices; and a game control unit that progresses the game under the constraints; A program that makes a computer system function as a