Game system, server device and program

Abstract

To allow a player to feel distribution of a game play animation familiar to oneself by closely relating game play to the distribution of a game play animation.SOLUTION: It is determined that a disclosure condition is satisfied at least when predetermined input information is received from a player during the player's game play or when a game play situation reaches a predetermined one. When a player's game play animation is set to a disclosure mode, the game play animation is controlled so as to be viewable to a viewer, and game processing is performed based on a viewing situation of the game play animation during a specific period when the player's game play animation is being viewed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system, a server device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been systems in which a player distributes a gameplay video to other users, and the parameters of the player's game are changed in response to the actions of the other players who watch the gameplay video.

[0003] For example, in the conventional technology shown in Patent Document 1, a live game commentary is distributed to viewers' terminal devices, and when cheers are received from viewers, the team's parameters (shooting success rate, defense rate, reaction speed, fatigue level, etc.) are changed to give the team an advantage (see, for example, paragraph 0044 of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-230868 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The prior art was a game system that was based on the premise of streaming and cooperative gameplay with viewers, and was not designed for normal games that were not intended to be streamed, such as those in which players use gameplay video streaming to achieve good results. In other words, the prior art only allowed certain players who liked to stream their gameplay videos to stream their gameplay videos, and gameplay video streaming was not a familiar experience for many other players.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a game system etc. that can make the distribution of gameplay videos more familiar to players by more closely linking gameplay and the distribution of gameplay videos. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention is A game system that performs game processing. a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit The present invention relates to a game system that determines that the disclosure conditions are met when at least one of the following conditions is met: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation becomes a predetermined situation.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a server device including the above-mentioned units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned units.

[0009] According to the present invention, game play and the act of distributing game play videos can be more closely related, making game play video distribution more familiar to players.

[0010] (2) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The mode control unit When a game event occurs, it may be determined that the game play situation has reached a predetermined situation.

[0011] According to the present invention, when a game event occurs, the player's gameplay video is set in public mode and controlled to be viewable, thereby making it possible to closely link the game event with the viewing of the gameplay video.

[0012] (3) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The mode control unit The game event may be determined to have occurred when a player decides to play a game in place of another player for a quest set by the other player.

[0013] According to the present invention, when a player decides to play a game on behalf of another player in a quest set by that other player, the player's gameplay video is put into public mode and made viewable, so that the viewing status of the gameplay video of the proxy play of the quest can be reflected in the game processing.

[0014] (4) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The viewing control unit When the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode, the gameplay video may be controlled so that it can be viewed by the other player who set the quest.

[0015] According to the present invention, the gameplay video of the player playing the game is controlled so that the other player (request player) who set the quest can view it, so the viewing status of the other players can be reflected in the player's game processing.

[0016] (5) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The viewing control unit When the game play video of the player is set to a public mode, the game play video relating to the game event may be controlled to be viewable.

[0017] According to the present invention, the game play video relating to the game event is controlled so that it can be viewed, and therefore the viewing status of the game play video relating to the game event can be reflected in the game processing. This can be done.

[0018] (6) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The game parameters of the player may be changed based on the viewing situation.

[0019] According to the present invention, the viewing status is reflected in the game parameters, which can motivate players to publish gameplay videos.

[0020] (7) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The privilege given to the player may be changed based on the viewing status.

[0021] According to the present invention, the viewing status is reflected in the rewards given to the player, which can motivate the player to publish the gameplay video.

[0022] (8) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit Game processing may be performed based on at least one of the number of views and the viewing rating of the game play video during the specific period.

[0023] According to the present invention, the number of views and viewing ratings of a gameplay video can be reflected in the game, thereby providing players with an incentive to publish their gameplay videos.

[0024] (9) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The better the viewing status of the gameplay video during the specific period, the more advantageously at least one of the game parameters of the player and the benefits granted to the player may be changed.

[0025] According to the present invention, not only can players be motivated to publish gameplay videos, but players can also be encouraged to play games in a way that improves the viewing situation of gameplay videos.

[0026] (10) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The game processing may be performed using the viewer's posting status for the game play video during the specific period as the viewing status.

[0027] According to the present invention, not only are players motivated to publish gameplay videos, but players are also encouraged to play games in consideration of the status of gameplay video postings, making gameplay more interesting in accordance with the status of gameplay video postings. Furthermore, because viewer postings are reflected in game processing, the viewer can also enjoy the game.

[0028] (11) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The mode control unit When a gameplay video set to public mode satisfies a non-public condition, the gameplay video may be set to private mode.

[0029] According to the present invention, a publicly available gameplay video can be appropriately made private.

[0030] (12) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The game parameters of the character involved with the player may be changed based on the viewing situation.

[0031] According to the present invention, the viewing status is reflected in the game parameters of the character involved with the player, which can motivate the player to publish the gameplay video.

[0032] (13) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit Depending on the state of the change to the public mode, a character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among a plurality of characters involved with the player.

[0033] According to the present invention, the state in which the mode has been changed to the public mode can affect the determination of the character whose game parameters are to be changed, thereby making the game more interesting.

[0034] (14) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit The content of the change to the game parameters may be determined depending on the state in which the mode is changed to the public mode.

[0035] According to the present invention, the state in which the mode has been changed to the public mode can affect the changes to the game parameters, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

[0036] (15) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit A character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among a plurality of characters involved with the player, depending on the status of each character when the mode is changed to the public mode.

[0037] According to the present invention, the status of each character when the mode is changed to public mode (for example, at least one of the character parameters and the character's position) can influence the determination of the character whose game parameters will be changed, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

[0038] (16) The game system, server device, game device, program, and and information storage media, The game processing unit The content of the change to the game parameters may be determined depending on the state of each character when the mode is changed to the public mode.

[0039] According to the present invention, the status of each character when the mode is changed to public mode (for example, at least one of the character's parameters and the character's position) can affect the changes to the game parameters, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

[0040] (17) Furthermore, in the game system, server device, game device, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, The game processing unit A character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among a plurality of characters involved with the player in response to a selection instruction from the viewer.

[0041] According to the present invention, the viewer's intentions can influence the determination of the character whose game parameters are to be changed, which increases the viewer's motivation to watch and makes the game more interesting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flag associated with each player ID of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information on each quest in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a terminal device of a player according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a terminal device of a player according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a terminal device of a viewer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9A] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the server device of the present embodiment. [Figure 9B] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the server device of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen displayed on a terminal device of a viewer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration showing the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0044] [1] Game System First, the outline and general configuration of the game system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration showing the configuration of the game system of this embodiment.

[0045] The server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a given service using a terminal device (game device) 20 connected for communication via the Internet (an example of a network).

[0046] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as a game device, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a computer, a game device, a PDA, a portable game machine, an image generating device, or the like, and is a device that can be connected to the server device 10 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or LAN. It is a location.

[0047] [1.1] Game system based on a client-server model As shown in FIG. 1, the game system of this embodiment may be configured such that a server device 10 and terminal devices 20 (for example, terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C) are connectable to the Internet (an example of a network).

[0048] By accessing the server device 10 from the terminal device 20, the player can play the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10 via the Internet.

[0049] In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device 20.

[0050] It should be noted that the various processes relating to the present invention may be performed only by the server device 10, or may be performed only by the terminal device 20.

[0051] [1.2] Terminal equipment In this embodiment, the server device 10 may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the server device 10, that is, a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention may be realized by the terminal device 20 alone, without being connected to the server device 10. For example, the present invention may be realized by a game system realized by a plurality of terminal devices 20 through P2P (peer-to-peer) communication.

[0053] A plurality of such terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, and one terminal device may function as the server device 10, thereby realizing the system.

[0054] The terminal device is not limited to a game device, but may also be a tablet information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device (casing) installed in an amusement park.

[0055] [1.3] Cloud-based game system The game system of this embodiment may also be a cloud-based game system. For example, in a cloud-based game system, basic processing (including game processing, drawing processing, etc.) is performed solely by the server device 10 (cloud device), and the terminal device 20 only controls the display of the processing results of the server device 10 (cloud device). Furthermore, the terminal device 20 only transmits information such as input information from the controller to the server device 10. In this case, the terminal device 20 may also transmit information other than the input information.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, except for input, each function of the processing unit 200 of the terminal device 20 and the execution of the game program may be executed by the server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing input and image display by streaming.

[0057] Furthermore, the game system may store the information stored in the server device 10 and the information stored in the terminal device 20 in a given storage area on the Internet.

[0058] [1.4] Terminal device with multiple controllers In this embodiment, one terminal device 20 has a plurality of controllers (input units 260). When multiple players play a game using their own controllers on one terminal device 20, it is assumed that the multiple players are actually close to each other.

[0059] [1.5] Examples of social games The server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides a communication-type service. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple players.

[0060] Furthermore, when the server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing a game called a social game that is executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS it provides.

[0061] Unlike existing online games, social games include games that can be played using only a web browser and an SNS account, without requiring dedicated client software. The server device 10 is configured to connect to other players' terminal devices 20 via a network, enabling the provision of an online game in which players can simultaneously share the same game progress online.

[0062] [1.6] Example of a browser game In particular, the server device 10 may provide games that are provided on the web browser of the terminal device 20, such as browser games (games that can be launched simply by opening the installation site in the web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH (registered trademark), CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0063] The terminal device 20 also has a web browser capable of viewing web pages (data in HTML format). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the server device 10, a display control function using data received from the server device 10 (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.), and a web browser function for transmitting player operation data to the server device 10, and is configured to execute various processes for providing a game screen to the player and allow the player to play the game. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game control information provided from the server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and play a game based on the game processing.

[0064] Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the server device 10 and the game starts. In particular, the terminal device 20 may be configured to use an API as necessary to cause the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform predetermined processing, or to obtain player information and the like managed by the server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, and then execute the game.

[0065] [1.7] Other The server device 10 may be configured with one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors). Information (e.g., player information, game information, etc.) stored in a storage area (storage unit 170 described later) of the server device 10 may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, a memory) connected via a network (an intranet or the Internet). The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the server device 10 may be wired or wireless.

[0066] [2] Server device Next, the server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the server device 10 of this embodiment. The server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0067] The server device 10 includes an input unit 160 for use in input by the administrator and others, an information storage medium 180 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 196 for communicating with terminal devices 20 and others, a processing unit 100 that mainly executes processing related to the game to be provided, and a memory unit 170 that mainly stores various data used in the game.

[0068] The input unit 160 is used by a system administrator or the like to input game-related settings and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 160 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, and the like.

[0069] The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions are realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0070] The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (e.g., terminals, other servers, or other network systems), and its functions are configured by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0071] The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, etc., and its functions are realized by RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 170 may be managed by a database.

[0072] In addition to the main memory unit 171, the memory unit 170 of this embodiment also has an image buffer 172, a game data memory unit 174 in which game information indicating information related to the game is stored, and a player information memory unit (user information memory unit) 176.

[0073] In particular, the game data storage unit 174 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about the virtual camera, setting values ​​used in the game, and the like.

[0074] Furthermore, the player information storage unit 176 stores player information (user information) for each player (each user) in association with a player ID. The player ID is player identification information for identifying a player. For example, the server device 10 may store the player's level in association with the player ID in the player information storage unit 176.

[0075] It should be noted that the player information may be a concept that includes not only the player information associated with the player, but also information about the player's character, etc.

[0076] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using a main memory unit 171 in the memory unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0077] The processing unit 100 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores programs for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (programs for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit).

[0078] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire server device 10 based on a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between the various units. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

[0079] In this embodiment, the server device 10 may perform part or all of the processing of the processing unit 100, or the terminal device 20 may perform part of the processing of the processing unit 100.

[0080] The processing unit 100 includes a quest setting unit 112, a game processing unit 113, a bonus granting unit 114, a reward granting unit 115, a display control unit 116, a mode control unit 117, a viewing control unit 118, a reception unit 119, a communication control unit 120, a Web processing unit 121, a management unit 122, a notification unit 123, an image generation unit 130, and a sound processing unit 140.

[0081] The quest setting unit 112 sets a quest based on information about another player (requesting player) who requests a quest. For example, the quest setting unit 112 sets a quest based on at least one of the input information of the requesting player and the game situation of the requesting player. Note that a quest has set conditions for achievement (predetermined goals, predetermined objectives). A quest may also be referred to as a mission.

[0082] The game processing unit 113 executes game processing based on input information (operation information) from the player. In particular, the game processing unit 113 of this embodiment executes game processing based on the viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the player is viewing the game play video.

[0083] Note that the specific period may be interpreted as the public period set in the public mode when streaming gameplay videos in real time (live distribution).

[0084] For example, game processing includes processing for changing or determining a player's game parameters, processing for determining the player's game results (whether they win or lose, or whether they have cleared the game) based on the player's game parameters, processing for determining or changing the benefits to be granted to the player, etc.

[0085] The game processing unit 113 may also change the game parameters of the player based on the viewing situation. The game processing unit 113 may also change the benefits given to the player based on the viewing situation.

[0086] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may perform game processing based on at least one of the number of views and the viewing rating of the game play video in a specific period.

[0087] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may change the game parameters of the player so that the better the viewing situation of the game play video in a specific period of time, the more advantageous the player's game parameters become.

[0088] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may perform game processing using the viewer's posting status of game play videos during a specific period as the viewing status.

[0089] The game processing unit 113 may also progress the game of the quest set by the quest setting unit 112 based on input information from a contract player who undertakes game play of the quest on behalf of the requesting player.

[0090] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may change the game parameters of the character involved with the player based on the viewing situation.

[0091] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may determine, depending on the situation in which the mode has been changed to the public mode, a character whose game parameters are to be changed from among a plurality of characters involved with the player.

[0092] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may determine the changes to the game parameters depending on the situation in which the mode is changed to the public mode.

[0093] In addition, the game processing unit 113 may determine the character whose game parameters are to be changed from among the multiple characters involved with the player, depending on the status of each character when the mode is changed to the public mode (for example, at least one of the character parameters and the character's position).

[0094] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may determine the changes to the game parameters according to the status of each character when the mode is changed to the public mode (for example, at least one of the character parameters and the character's position).

[0095] Furthermore, the game processing unit 113 may determine, in response to a selection instruction from the viewer, a character whose game parameters are to be changed from among a plurality of characters involved with the player.

[0096] The benefit granting unit 114 grants a benefit to a player. For example, the benefit granting unit 114 grants a benefit when a condition for granting a benefit is met (for example, when the player clears a game, completes a quest, etc.). The benefit may be an increase in an item or parameter, or the release (also referred to as "unlocking") of a given stage. Furthermore, the benefit granted to the player by the benefit granting unit 114 may be the release (unlocking) of some skills (for example, items such as weapons or character abilities) corresponding to a completed quest in a skill tree in which a plurality of skills associated with the player are configured in a tree structure.

[0097] Furthermore, the reward granting unit 114 may grant a reward corresponding to a quest to at least one of the player (contract player) and the other player (request player) depending on the progress of the quest for which the player (contract player) has undertaken to play a game on behalf of the other player (request player). For example, when the player (contract player) has completed a quest for which the player (contract player) has undertaken to play a game on behalf of the other player (request player), the reward granting unit 114 may grant a reward corresponding to the quest to the other player. Note that the release of a stage (also referred to as "unlocking") by the contract player completing a quest may be considered as the granting of a reward (deemed to be the granting of a reward).

[0098] When a player (contract player) undertakes to play a game on behalf of another player (request player), the reward granting unit 115 grants a reward to the contract player according to the contract player's progress in completing the quest. The reward granting unit 115 may also determine the reward to be granted to the contract player from among the game assets owned by the request player.

[0099] The display control unit 116 controls the display of given information on the terminal device 20. The display control unit 116 may also perform transmission control to display a game screen on the terminal device 20. In other words, the display control unit 116 generates display control information for the game screen or the like, and controls the generated display control information to be displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player.

[0100] The display control unit 116 performs control to display video of the player's game play and game images (game screens) on the display unit 290 of the terminal device 20 of that player.

[0101] The mode control unit 117 sets the game play video showing the game play status of the player to private mode, and when the disclosure conditions (public mode change conditions) are met, changes the game play video of the player from private mode to public mode.

[0102] Furthermore, the mode control unit 117 determines that the disclosure conditions are met when at least one of the following conditions is met: when predetermined input information is received from the player; and when the game play situation becomes a predetermined situation.

[0103] Furthermore, the mode control unit 117 may determine that the game play situation has reached a predetermined situation when a game event occurs.

[0104] Furthermore, the mode control unit 117 may determine that a game event has occurred when it is decided that a player will play the game in place of another player (request player) for a quest (mission) set by the other player.

[0105] Furthermore, when a non-public condition (a public mode termination condition) is satisfied for a gameplay video that has been set to the public mode, the mode control unit 117 may set the gameplay video to the private mode.

[0106] When a gameplay video of a player is set to a public mode, the viewing control unit 118 controls the gameplay video so that viewers can view the gameplay video. For example, the viewers may be viewers who are not playing the game, or players who are playing the game.

[0107] Furthermore, when a gameplay video of a player is set to public mode, the viewing control unit 118 may perform control so that the gameplay video can be viewed by another player (request player) who has set a quest.

[0108] Furthermore, when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode, the viewing control unit 118 controls the gameplay video related to the game event to be viewable. For example, when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode, the viewing control unit 118 may control the gameplay video of the player to be viewable only to specific viewers (e.g., other players who have requested a quest (requesting players)), and may control the gameplay video to be inviewable to viewers other than the specific viewers.

[0109] When the game play video of the player is set to a private mode, the viewing control unit 118 controls the game play video so that the viewer cannot view the game play video.

[0110] The receiving unit 119 receives input from the player. The receiving unit 119 may also receive touch input on a touch panel as the player's input. The receiving unit 119 receives and accepts the content of the input (touch position, timing, etc.) from the terminal device 20.

[0111] The receiving unit 119 may also receive inputs and instructions from the player through data transmission and reception by the communication control unit 120 .

[0112] The communication control unit 120 establishes a connection (session or connection) with the terminal device 20 and performs processing to communicate (transmit and receive) data via the network.

[0113] The communication control unit 120 may be configured to communicate information about communication between the requesting player and the contracting player via the network between the terminal device 20 of the requesting player and the terminal device 20 of the contracting player.

[0114] The Web processing unit 121 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 121 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0115] The management unit 122 manages game information and player information associated with player identification information for each player.

[0116] The notification unit 123 also notifies the player of given information. Note that "notifying" information means notifying (providing, presenting, displaying) the information to the player (player's terminal device 20).

[0117] The term "notification" refers to at least one of the following: sending from the server device 10 to the player's terminal device 20 by email (which may be a newsletter, etc.) sent and received using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol); sending using a given protocol, not limited to SMTP; sending a push notification; presenting (displaying) a predetermined screen (banner display screen, notification screen, pop-up screen, etc.) of a predetermined application; and notifying via a web page by the web processing unit 121 of the server device 10. The term "notification" refers to active transmission by the server device 10 to the player's terminal device 20. The term "notification" may also refer to the server device 10 sending information to the player's terminal device 20 in response to a request from the player's terminal device 20. A push notification refers to displaying a message window in a certain area (such as the top edge) of the terminal (smartphone) screen. The term "notification" includes audio notification, in which a displayed message or the like is converted into audio. The term "notification" also includes notification by vibration.

[0118] The image generation unit 130 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, etc. The image generation unit 130 generates one image of the game screen in one frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) in accordance with the progress of the game. The generated image is transmitted to the terminal device 20.

[0119] The image generation unit 130 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating a game image, which is output to the image buffer 172 or transmitted to the terminal device 20. The image generation unit 130 may generate an image (a so-called three-dimensional image) that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in the object space (game space).

[0120] For example, when generating a 3D game image, the image generation unit 130 first performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping, or perspective transformation, and then creates rendering data (position coordinates of vertices of primitive surfaces, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors, alpha values, etc.) based on the processing results. Then, based on this rendering data (primitive surface data), the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is stored in the image buffer 172 (frame buffer The image is then drawn to a buffer that can store image information in pixel units, such as a work buffer or VRAM. This generates the image seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in object space.

[0121] The sound processing unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and transmits them to the terminal device 20.

[0122] The processing unit 100 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 and executes game processing for the game provided in this embodiment for each player based on input from the player input via the terminal device 20.

[0123] The processing unit 100 may also have a timer function, which may be used to manage the progress of the game and synchronize with each terminal device 20. In particular, the current time and a preset time may be output to each unit.

[0124] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 3 are omitted.

[0125] The input unit 260 is used by the player to input operation data, and this function can be realized by a touch panel or a touch panel display, etc. That is, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that can detect two-dimensional pointed position coordinates (x, y) on a screen on which an image is displayed. For example, the input unit 260 includes a detection unit 262 that can detect two-dimensional contact position coordinates (x, y) in a contact detection area (touch panel).

[0126] The touch operation on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as "touch panel" unless otherwise specified) may be performed using a fingertip or an input device such as a touch pen.

[0127] The input unit 260 may also include a button, lever, keyboard, steering wheel, microphone, acceleration sensor, etc., which can input input information (operation signals) other than the indicated position.

[0128] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, communication unit 296, etc., and its functions can be realized by RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 270 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 271 used as a work area, an image buffer 272 in which final display images and the like are stored, a game data storage unit 274, and a player information storage unit 276. Note that some of these may be omitted, or the storage unit 170 of the server device 10 may constitute part of them.

[0129] The image buffer 272 may store image data generated by the image generating unit 230 or image data received from the server device 10.

[0130] The game data storage unit 274 stores information about the game space (game field) in which the game is played, information about each character, information about the virtual camera, other setting values ​​used in the game, etc. Note that the terminal device 20 may store information received from the server device 10 in the game data storage unit 274.

[0131] The player information storage unit 276 stores information about the player. The terminal device 20 receives information about the player corresponding to the player ID from the server device 10 and stores the player information. It may be stored in the storage unit 276.

[0132] The information storage medium 280 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its functions can be realized by an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM), etc.

[0133] Furthermore, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute the processing of each unit) can be stored in the information storage medium 280. Note that the processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 280, as will be described later.

[0134] The display unit 290 outputs the image generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

[0135] In particular, in this embodiment, the display unit 290 also functions as an input unit 260 where the player operates the game by using a touch panel display. Here, the touch panel may be, for example, a resistive type (four-wire type, five-wire type), a capacitance type, an electromagnetic induction type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, or an infrared scanning type.

[0136] The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

[0137] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, the server device 10 or other terminal devices 20), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, or programs.

[0138] The terminal device 20 may receive, via a network, programs and data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 or the storage unit 170 of the server device 10, and store the received programs and data in the information storage medium 280 or the storage unit 270. Such cases in which the terminal device 20 functions by receiving programs and data are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0139] The processing unit 200 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing in conjunction with the server device 10 based on input data from the input unit 260, programs, and the like.

[0140] In particular, in this embodiment, game processing includes processing for starting a game when a game start condition is met, processing for progressing the game, processing for placing objects such as characters and enemy characters, processing for displaying objects, processing for calculating game results, and processing for ending a game when a game end condition is met.

[0141] The processing unit 200 also performs game processing (e.g., processing of a competitive game) based on player input information input by the input unit 260. The processing unit 200 may be executed in conjunction with the server device 10, or a part or all of the processing unit 200 may be formed in the server device 10.

[0142] The processing unit 200 performs various processes using the storage unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 are implemented by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.). This can be achieved by hardware or programs.

[0143] The processing unit 200 includes a display control unit 211, a receiving unit 212, a notification unit 213, a communication control unit 220, a web browser 221, an image generation unit 230, and a sound generation unit 240. Note that some of these units may be omitted.

[0144] The display control unit 211 performs processing to display a game screen on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 211 may display the game screen using a web browser 221. Furthermore, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 290 to display information required during the game based on information transmitted from the server device 10. For example, the terminal device 20 displays display information for the game screen received from the server device 10.

[0145] Furthermore, the display control unit 211 may perform all or part of the same processing as the display control unit 116 of the server device 10.

[0146] The receiving unit 212 performs processing to receive input from the player. For example, the receiving unit 212 may transmit input information received by the terminal device 20 to the server device 10, which then receives the input information. Alternatively, the receiving unit 212 may perform all or part of the same processing as the receiving unit 119 of the server device 10.

[0147] The notification unit 213 notifies the player of given information. For example, the notification unit 213 displays the information on the game screen. The notification unit 213 may perform all or part of the same processing as the notification unit 123 of the server device 10.

[0148] The communication control unit 220 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each server device 10. The communication control unit 220 also performs processing for storing data received from the server device 10 in the storage unit 270, processing for analyzing the received data, and other control processing related to the transmission and reception of data.

[0149] The communication control unit 220 may store and manage destination information (network information such as IP addresses and port numbers) of other terminal devices 20 and the server device 10 in the storage unit 270 or the information storage medium 280. The communication control unit 220 may then communicate with the server device 10 when receiving input information from the player to start communication.

[0150] In particular, the communication control unit 220 performs processing to transmit player identification information and input information to the server device 10 and receive data (player's web page, game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0151] The communication control unit 220 may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the server device 10 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 220 of this embodiment performs processing to receive given screen information (for example, information about a game screen, etc.) from the server device 10.

[0152] The web browser 221 is an application program for viewing web pages (game screens), downloading HTML files, image files, etc. from the web server (server device 10), analyzing the layout, and controlling the display. The web browser 221 also transmits data to the web server (server device 10) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

[0153] The web browser 221 of this embodiment can realize a browser game. For example, the web browser 221 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH (registered trademark), Java (registered trademark), or the like, received from a web server (server device 10).

[0154] The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL (short for Uniform Resource Locator) via the Internet using the web browser 221. For example, the terminal device 20 can display a game screen (data such as HTML) received from the server device 10 using the web browser 221.

[0155] The image generation unit 230 performs drawing processing based on various processes (for example, game processing) performed by the processing unit 200, thereby generating an image, which is output to the display unit 290 by the display control unit 211. The image generated by the image generation unit 230 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image. Note that the image generation unit 230 may perform all or part of the same processing as the image generation unit 130 of the server device 10.

[0156] The sound generation unit 240 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 200, generates game sounds such as background music, sound effects, or voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 292. Note that the sound generation unit 240 may perform all or part of the same processing as the sound processing unit 140 of the server device 10.

[0157] In the present embodiment, when a game is played by a plurality of terminal devices 20 using P2P or the like, one terminal device 20 may act as a host and execute processing. In such a case, the terminal device 20 as the host may execute processing of each processing unit (part or all of each processing unit) of the server device 10.

[0158] [4] Overview This embodiment provides a game system that controls the viewing of gameplay video of a player (operator of game play) by viewers, and changes the player's parameters (e.g., attack power, HP value (stamina value), item values, etc.) depending on the viewing situation, so that the viewing situation affects the player's game progress.

[0159] For example, when a player PA performs a given quest (mission) and encounters a difficult point during gameplay (for example, when a special enemy character appears), the server device 10 changes the gameplay video of the player PA from a private mode (non-public mode) to a public mode (public mode) based on the input information of the player PA.

[0160] By switching to public mode, the gameplay video of the player PA becomes viewable, and the player PA's attack power (the attack power of the character PAC controlled by the player PA) is increased by support from viewers, allowing the player PA to overcome difficult situations (for example, defeat a special enemy character). In this way, the player PA can use the distribution of the gameplay video to achieve good results in the game. Furthermore, by more closely associating the gameplay of the player PA with the distribution of the gameplay video, the distribution of the gameplay video can become more familiar to the player PA.

[0161] [5] Mode control As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 10 of this embodiment sets information on the public mode or the private mode in association with the player ID of each player.

[0162] For example, the server device 10 controls whether the mode is public or private using a flag F (also referred to as mode information). For example, in a default state (including an initial state), the flag F is set to 0 as a value indicating the private mode, and when changing to the public mode, the flag F is changed (updated, set) to 1.

[0163] Furthermore, the server device 10 determines for each player whether the disclosure conditions are satisfied. For example, if it is determined that the disclosure conditions are satisfied for player PA, the value of the flag F of player PA is changed from private mode (F=0) to public mode (F=1). Note that the "disclosure conditions" may be rephrased as "public mode start conditions."

[0164] In addition, when the disclosure conditions for player PA are met, the server device 10 may determine whether input information allowing a change in the disclosure mode of player PA has been received, and if input information allowing a change in the disclosure mode of player PA has been received, may change the mode of player PA from private mode to public mode.

[0165] Furthermore, when the disclosure conditions for the player PA are satisfied, the server device 10 may automatically change the mode of the player PA from the private mode to the public mode under computer control (CPU control).

[0166] In addition, the server device 10 may refer to attribute information (e.g., attribute information such as "fire," "water," or "wood") of the players (or characters operated by the players) managed by the server device 10, and automatically change the mode of the players (or characters operated by the players) having a predetermined attribute (e.g., "fire") from private mode to public mode through computer control (CPU control).

[0167] Furthermore, the server device 10 predefines non-disclosure conditions (public mode termination conditions). Then, the server device 10 determines whether or not the non-disclosure conditions are met for each player set to the public mode. For example, when the non-disclosure conditions are met for player PA, the server device 10 controls so that the value of the flag F of player PA is changed (updated) from public mode (F=1) to private mode (F=0). Note that the "non-disclosure conditions" may be rephrased as "public mode termination conditions."

[0168] For example, for player PA, the "non-public condition" is met when at least one of the following occurs: the game end condition is met during public mode, the game result of the game during public mode is determined, an instruction to end public mode is received from the player, or the viewing status of player PA's gameplay video during public mode meets a given condition.

[0169] Furthermore, for example, the viewing situation satisfies a given condition when the number of viewers of player PA's gameplay video is below a predetermined number (for example, 3 or less) during the course of public mode (for example, 1 minute after switching to public mode), when the gameplay video receives a low rating during the course of public mode (when rating is done using likes or likes, when the number of likes is greater than the number of likes, when using a 5-point rating system, when the average rating value is 2 or less, etc.), when a certain rating (high rating) is not obtained within a predetermined period of time (for example, within 10 minutes), etc.

[0170] In this embodiment, even when the public mode is set (flag F=1), the content may be controlled to be public (viewable) for some viewers and private (unviewable) for other viewers. For example, for a viewer to be disclosed, F=1 may be set in association with the ID of the player PA and the viewer ID to be disclosed, and for a viewer to be kept secret, F=0 may be set in association with the ID of the player PA and the viewer ID to be kept secret.

[0171] [6] Viewing status description In this embodiment, viewers can not only watch the gameplay video but also make predetermined evaluations.

[0172] In this embodiment, the "viewing status" includes ratings (viewing ratings) of gameplay videos during a specific period. The "ratings" may be, for example, low ratings or high ratings. That is, the server device 10 may be configured to receive instructions from viewers to rate the gameplay videos low or high.

[0173] Furthermore, the "rating" may be a value indicated by a numerical value. For example, when rating a gameplay video on a five-point scale from 1 to 5, the server device 10 may accept any one of the rating values ​​from the viewer.

[0174] Furthermore, the server device 10 may calculate the number of dislikes, the number of likes, and, in the case of a five-point rating system, the average rating value for each gameplay video.

[0175] The "viewing status" also includes the number of views of the gameplay video in a specific period. The number of views is, for example, the number of viewers currently watching.

[0176] Furthermore, the "viewing status" includes the status of viewers' posts to gameplay videos during a specific period. The posting status includes viewers' comments, images, and the value of virtual tips to the gameplay videos. The value of tips may be the value of a currency traded in reality, the value of virtual currency in the game space, or the value of electronic money.

[0177] [7] Publication conditions Next, the disclosure conditions will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, game play of player PA will be described. First, when predetermined input information is received from player PA during the game of player PA (during game play), server device 10 determines that the disclosure conditions are satisfied. Note that the predetermined input information may be input information that instructs a change to the disclosure mode of player PA, or may be specific input information during the game (for example, input information for executing a special move).

[0178] Furthermore, the server device 10 determines that the disclosure condition is satisfied when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation. The timing at which the game play situation reaches the predetermined situation may be a given timing before the player PA starts the game, or may be a given timing during the player PA's game after the game has started. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mode of the player PA is set to public mode (F=1) during the specific game event, and when the specific game event ends, the mode of the player PA is changed from public mode (F=1) to private mode (F=0).

[0179] "The game play situation has reached a predetermined situation" may be, for example, when the game play situation of the player PA has reached an advantageous situation. An advantageous situation may be when the game of the player PA is progressing well, etc. For example, an advantageous situation may be when the character PAC operated by the player PA has defeated a predetermined number of enemy characters or more (10 or more), the character PAC has not received any damage, or the decrease rate of the HP value of the character PAC is within 5%. After switching to the public mode, the server device 10 increases the attack power of the character PAC in accordance with the viewing situation of the viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (for example, an increase in the number of viewers), and controls the character PAC to be able to show off a good play that the viewers of the player PA can be proud of.

[0180] In addition, in the case of a music game (timing evaluation game) in which music data is played, the degree of deviation between the input timing of the player PA and the reference timing is evaluated, and the score is increased depending on the evaluation of success, it is determined that the situation is advantageous when the evaluation of the input timing of the player PA is successful consecutively (for example, when the player's input is successful 30 times in a row). After switching to the public mode, the server device 10 controls so that the value to be added to the score is increased depending on the viewing situation of viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (for example, an increase in the number of viewers).

[0181] In a shooting game (FPS game) in which a character PAC operated by the player PA fights enemies in a game space, if the character PAC obtains a special item, the situation is determined to be advantageous. After switching to the public mode, the server device 10 further controls the bonus given to the player PA (or character PAC) to be better depending on the viewing situation of viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (for example, an increase in the number of viewers).

[0182] Furthermore, "the game play situation has become a predetermined situation" may be, for example, when the game play situation of the player PA becomes unfavorable. An unfavorable situation is, for example, when the player PA fails or continues to fail in the game.

[0183] For example, an unfavorable situation is when the character PAC operated by the player PA is attacked (damaged) by a predetermined number or more (10 or more) of enemy characters, when the HP value of the character PAC falls to a predetermined value or less (e.g., 10 or less), etc. After switching to the public mode, the server device 10 further performs processing to increase the stamina value of the player PA (or the character PAC) according to the viewing situation of viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (e.g., an increase in the number of viewers), thereby giving the player PA a chance to escape the crisis.

[0184] In the case of a music game, if the evaluation of the input timing of the player PA is unsuccessful for a consecutive period (for example, if the player's input is unsuccessful 30 times in a row), the server device 10 determines that the situation is unfavorable. After switching to the public mode, the server device 10 controls the score to be added so as to increase the value according to the viewing situation of viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (for example, an increase in the number of viewers).

[0185] In addition, in the case of a racing game in which moving objects compete for ranking, if the ranking of the moving object OBA operated by the player PA is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (fifth place or lower), it is determined that the situation is unfavorable. After changing to the public mode, the server device 10 may control the speed of the moving object OBA to increase (accelerate) depending on the viewing situation of viewers watching the gameplay video of the player PA (for example, an increase in the number of viewers).

[0186] Furthermore, "the game play situation has become a predetermined situation" may be interpreted as "when a specific game event occurs", for example.

[0187] "When a specific game event occurs" may mean when the player PA encounters a boss battle or a difficult point during gameplay, when a rare enemy appears, or when the player character PAC acquires a rare item.

[0188] Furthermore, "when a specific game event occurs" may be interpreted as when it is decided that the player PA will play the game on behalf of another player for a quest (mission) set (requested) by that other player.

[0189] For example, "when a specific game event occurs" means when the requesting player PX who requests a substitute play requests (sets) a quest. In other words, when the game situation of the requesting player PX becomes a predetermined situation (when the situation becomes the situation when the quest is requested), it is determined that a specific game event has occurred.

[0190] In other words, "when a specific game event occurs" means when the player PA undertakes (accepts) to play the game on behalf of the player PA for the quest. In other words, when the game situation of the player PA reaches a predetermined situation (when the quest is accepted), it is determined that a specific game event has occurred.

[0191] In addition, "when a specific game event occurs" can also be interpreted as when the requesting player PX requesting substitute play requests (sets) a quest, receives an instruction of acceptance for the quest from the player PA, and it is officially decided that the player PA will undertake to play the game on behalf of the player PA for the quest.

[0192] For example, the requesting player PX may request one quest from only one player PA, or may request the same quest from multiple players PA, PB, PC, and PD. When multiple players PA, PB, PC, and PD accept the same quest request, the mode is set to public mode (F=1) for all players PA, PB, PC, and PD. Note that an instruction to accept the quest may be received from each player PA, PB, PC, and PD, and the mode may be set to public mode (F=1) only for the player who has received the instruction to accept.

[0193] Note that the quest is not limited to being set by the requesting player, but may also be set by an administrator on the operating side who provides the game service.

[0194] [8] Instructions on how to watch The server device 10 of this embodiment controls game play videos showing the game play status of the player so that viewers can view them.

[0195] For example, when the game play video of the player PA is set to a public mode, the server device 10 of the present embodiment controls the game play video so that viewers can view the game play video. The "viewer" is anyone other than the player (operator) PA.

[0196] Furthermore, "controlling to enable viewing" means that the server device 10 performs live streaming distribution of the player's gameplay video to the viewer's terminal device 20 via a video distribution server 30 that provides a video distribution service. Note that if the server device 10 has a video distribution function, the server device 10 may perform live streaming distribution of the player's gameplay video.

[0197] Furthermore, "controlling to make the gameplay unavailable" means that the server device 10 stops live streaming distribution of the player's gameplay video via the video distribution server 30. If the server device 10 has a video distribution function, it means stopping live streaming distribution of the player's gameplay video.

[0198] The server device 10 also provides the terminal device 20 of each viewer with a function for selecting a video to be viewed. Display (provide) a selection screen.

[0199] FIG. 5 shows an example of a selection screen SC5 for selecting a viewable game play video displayed on the terminal device 20 of the player PX who is also a viewer.

[0200] The selection screen SC5 displays a list of thumbnail images of each gameplay video that is set to public mode.

[0201] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, a thumbnail image GA of a gameplay video MVA of player PA during game play is displayed. Similarly to player PA, thumbnail images (e.g., thumbnail images GB, GC, GD, GE, GF, GG, GH) of gameplay videos (e.g., gameplay videos MVB, MVC, MVD, MVE, MVF, MVG, MVH) of other players (e.g., players PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH) during game play are displayed.

[0202] For example, when the player PX wants to view the game play video MVA, the player PX selects and inputs (e.g., clicks) the thumbnail image GA. As a result, the server device 10 distributes the game play video MVA to the terminal device 20 of the player PX and controls the game play video MVA so that the player PX can view it.

[0203] The server device 10 stores in the storage unit 170 the player ID, player name (nickname), evaluation details, and game information (game name, quest information, stage number, etc.) of the player playing the game in the game play video, in association with the identification information of each game play video.

[0204] Furthermore, the server device 10 may, for example, display the player ID, player name (nickname), evaluation details, and game information (game name, quest information, stage number, etc.) of the player playing the game in the gameplay video in association with each gameplay video on a selection screen SC5 for selecting a viewable gameplay video that is displayed on the terminal device 20 of the viewer (e.g., player PX).

[0205] The viewer (e.g., player PX) can then search for the quest they are about to play using keywords related to that quest, or search for videos of a specific player, or search for videos of their choice, or can decide which video to watch from a list.

[0206] Viewers can also input ratings for each gameplay video. That is, the server device 10 receives ratings from viewers along with the identification information of the gameplay video, and accumulates and stores the ratings in association with the identification information of the gameplay video.

[0207] In addition, if it is decided that the contract player PA will play the game on behalf of the requesting player PX for a quest (mission) set by the requesting player PX, and if it is determined that the disclosure conditions are met, a video of the contract player PA playing the game may be displayed on the selection screen of the requesting player PX.

[0208] When the gameplay video of the contract player PA is set to public mode, the gameplay video of the contract player PA may be controlled so that the requesting player PX who set the quest can view the gameplay video of the contract player PA.

[0209] In addition, if the requesting player PX requests the same quest from multiple players (for example, players PA, PB, PC, and PD), it is determined that the disclosure conditions are met. The player PX may display thumbnail images of game play videos of the contract players PA, PB, PC, and PD as a list.

[0210] When the gameplay video of the contract player PA is set to the public mode, the gameplay video of the contract player PA may be controlled so that only the requesting player PX can view it. In other words, even when the gameplay video of the contract player PA is set to the public mode, the gameplay video of the contract player PA may be controlled so that the other contract players PB, PC, and PD cannot view it.

[0211] In addition, when the gameplay video of the contract player PA is set to public mode, the server device 10 may control the gameplay video of the contract player PA so that it can be viewed not only by the requesting player PX but also by other contract players PB, PC, and PD.

[0212] Furthermore, when the gameplay video of the contracted player PA is set to the public mode, the server device 10 controls the gameplay video related to the game event (only the gameplay video of the accepted quest) to be viewable. In other words, the server device 10 may control the gameplay video unrelated to the game event (gameplay video other than the accepted quest) to be unviewable.

[0213] [9] Game Processing The server device 10 performs processing to progress the game based on the player's input information. In particular, in this embodiment, the game processing is performed based on the viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the player's game play video is being viewed. On the other hand, if the player's game play video is set to private mode, normal game processing is performed. In other words, game processing is performed while ignoring the viewing status of the game play video. For convenience of explanation, the following describes game processing related to player PA.

[0214] [9.1] Changing game parameters, etc. For example, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters of the player PA and the benefits granted to the player PA based on the viewing status of the game play video of the player PA (e.g., at least one of the number of views and the viewing rating) during a specific period in which the game play video of the player PA is being viewed.

[0215] For example, the server device 10 changes at least one of the game parameters of the player PA and the benefit given to the player PA so that the better the viewing situation of the game play video of the player PA in a specific period, the more advantageous it becomes.

[0216] For example, as the number of views of the gameplay video of the player PA increases, the game parameters of the player PA may be changed to be more advantageous (for example, the attack power may increase).

[0217] Furthermore, the game parameters of the player PA may be changed to be more advantageous as the number of likes for the gameplay video of the player PA increases. For example, the bonus items granted to the player PA may be changed to be more advantageous as the number of views of the gameplay video of the player PA increases. For example, the more views the player PA has, the more items with higher attack power or defense power may be granted.

[0218] Furthermore, the game parameters of the player PA may be changed to be more advantageous as the number of likes of the gameplay video of the player PA increases. For example, the game parameters of the player PA may be changed to be more advantageous as the number of likes of the gameplay video of the player PA increases. It is also possible to add a "m" to the image.

[0219] Furthermore, the server device 10 may perform game processing using the status of viewers' posts to the game play video of the player PA during a specific period as the viewing status.

[0220] Viewer posting status includes tips (amount of tipping, number of tipping items posted), comments, stamps, whether or not the post has been favorited, and the content of the post.

[0221] For example, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters and the benefits granted to the player PA to be advantageous in accordance with an increase in the total amount of tips (evaluation value) posted by viewers for the game play video of the player PA during a specific period.

[0222] In addition, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters and the benefits granted to the player PA to be advantageous depending on the increase in the number or amount of tipping items (e.g., tipping objects such as applause, crackers, cakes, etc.) posted by viewers for the game play video of the player PA during a specific period.

[0223] Furthermore, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters and the benefits granted to the player PA in accordance with the content posted by viewers for the game play video of the player PA during a specific period so as to be advantageous to the player PA.

[0224] For example, the "content of the post" refers to the type of tipping item posted, the content of the comment, whether the comment contains a positive rating (high rating) such as a "like," etc.

[0225] That is, the server device 10 may change the content of the benefit depending on the type of posted item, or may provide a better benefit as the number of posts with good ratings (high ratings) increases.

[0226] In addition, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters and the benefits granted to the player PA to be advantageous depending on an increase in the total number of comments (including the number of stamps) posted by viewers on the gameplay video of the player PA during a specific period.

[0227] In addition, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters of the player PA and the benefits granted to the player PA to be more advantageous as the number of viewers who have registered favorites (also referred to as the number of channel registrations) of the player PA increases.

[0228] [9.2] Change Period For example, the server device 10 changes the game parameters of the player PA and / or changes at least one of the benefits granted to the player PA based on the viewing status of the game play video of the player PA, only during a specific period in which the game play video of the player PA is being viewed.

[0229] When the server device 10 sets the game play video of the player PA to the public mode in response to the occurrence of a specific game event, the server device 10 changes the game parameters of the player PA and / or changes at least one of the benefits to be granted to the player PA based on the viewing status of the game play video of the player PA, only for the period of the specific game event. In other words, if there is a benefit to be granted to the player PA at the end of the specific game event (for example, at the end of a quest set by the requesting player PX), the server device 10 grants the benefit to the player PA, and then performs processing to restore the game parameters of the player PA to their original state.

[0230] [9.3] Game Results The server device 10 performs a process of determining the game result of the player PA based on the game parameters of the player PA.

[0231] For example, if the server device 10 changes the game parameters of the player PA to be advantageous during a specific period in which the gameplay video of the player PA is being viewed, the game will proceed based on the advantageous game parameters (for example, attack power will be doubled), and the player's game results will be more likely to be judged as a good result, such as a win or clearing the game.

[0232]

[10] Display control 6 shows an example of a game screen SC6 that the server device 10 displays on the terminal device 20 of the player PA. For example, the game screen SC6 shows an example of a game screen that is displayed during game play by the player PA set to the private mode.

[0233] The game screen SC6 displays an image 61 of the game space generated from the first-person viewpoint of the character PAC of the player PA.

[0234] Furthermore, a message 62 indicating that switching to the public mode will give an advantage (for example, a message saying "If you make your gameplay video public, the game will progress at an advantage") may be displayed on the game screen SC6.

[0235] The game screen SC6 may also display a message 63 asking the player PA whether to make the game play video public (for example, a message saying "Do you want to make the game play video public?"), and an instruction button 65 for changing to the public mode. The player PA can change to the public mode by inputting (for example, by clicking, touching, or other operation) the instruction button 65 for changing to the public mode.

[0236] Additionally, the game screen SC6 currently displays information 64 indicating the current status of the game play video of the player PA. That is, information indicating whether the game play video of the player PA is currently public or private is displayed. For example, if the game play video of the player PA is currently in private mode (flag F=0), "Video Status: Private" is displayed.

[0237] When the server device 10 accepts (receives) a disclosure instruction (input of the instruction button 65) to change to the disclosure mode from the terminal device 20 of the player PA, it determines that the disclosure conditions are met.

[0238] When the server device 10 receives a disclosure instruction from the player PA, it updates the flag F of the player PA to "1" and controls the gameplay video of the player PA to be viewable to viewers. On the other hand, when the server device 10 does not receive a disclosure instruction from the player PA, it maintains the flag F of the player PA at "0" and controls the gameplay video to be unavailable to viewers.

[0239] FIG. 7 shows an example of a game screen SC7 displayed by the server device 10 on the terminal device 20 of the player PA set to the public mode during game play.

[0240] The game screen SC7 displays an image 71 of the game space generated from the first-person viewpoint of the character PAC of the player PA.

[0241] In addition, the game screen SC7 displays information 72 including the number of viewers (e.g., 203 people) indicating the number of viewers watching the gameplay video of player PA, the number of likes (e.g., 30) indicating the number of viewers who gave it a like rating, and the number of dislikes (e.g., 5) indicating the number of viewers who gave it a dislike rating.

[0242] In addition, if player PA gains an advantage in the game depending on the viewing status of the gameplay video of player PA (for example, due to an increase in the number of views), information 73 indicating that advantage has been gained (for example, information such as "attack power has doubled") may be displayed on game screen SC7.

[0243] Also, for example, on the game screen SC7, when the game play video of player PA is currently public, information 74 indicating the current status of the game play video is displayed. For example, since the game play video of player PA is currently set to public mode (flag F=1) and is public, "Video Status: Public" is displayed.

[0244] FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen SC8 of a gameplay video of a player PA that the server device 10 causes the terminal device 20 of a viewer (for example, player PX) to display.

[0245] For example, the game screen SC8 displays an image 81 of the game space generated from the first-person viewpoint of the character PAC of the player PA.

[0246] Furthermore, the game screen SC8 displays information 82 about the gameplay video being viewed by the viewer. For example, the information about the gameplay video may include the game player's ID, name, nickname, etc., the game name, stage information, quest information, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the gameplay video information 82 displayed may be "Gameplay video, Player PA, XX game, Stage 6."

[0247] In addition, the game screen SC8 displays information 83 including the number of viewers (e.g., 203 people) indicating the number of viewers watching the gameplay video of player PA, the number of likes (e.g., 30) indicating the number of viewers who gave it a like rating, and the number of dislikes (e.g., 5) indicating the number of viewers who gave it a dislike rating.

[0248] In addition, if player PA gains an advantage in the game depending on the viewing status of the gameplay video of player PA (for example, due to an increase in the number of views), information 84 indicating that advantage has been gained (for example, information such as "attack power has doubled") may be displayed on game screen SC8.

[0249] Although not shown in the figure, when the non-disclosure conditions are met, the server device 10 may display information such as "Now private" or information indicating the status of the current gameplay video (e.g., "Video status: Private") on the game screen during game play to the terminal device 20 of the player PA.

[0250]

[11] Flowchart 9A and 9B show an example of a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the server device 10 of this embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the player PA will be described.

[0251] First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the game play video of the player PA is set to a private mode (step S1).

[0252] It is determined whether the game play situation has reached a predetermined situation (step S2). If the game play situation has reached the predetermined situation (Y in step S2), it is determined that the disclosure conditions have been met, and the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the game play situation has not reached the predetermined situation (N in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0253] Then, it is determined whether predetermined input information has been received from player PA while the player PA is playing the game (step S3). For example, when the game of player PA is started, it is determined whether predetermined input information (input information instructing a change to the public mode of player PA) has been received from player PA while the player PA is playing the game. If the predetermined input information has been received from player PA (Y in step S3), it is determined that the public condition has been met, and the process proceeds to step S11.

[0254] 9B, the game play video of player PA is set to public mode (step S11). That is, the mode is changed from private mode to public mode. Then, the game play video of player PA is controlled so that viewers can view it (step S12).

[0255] Next, game processing is performed based on the viewing status of the game play video of the player PA (step S13). For example, game processing is performed based on the viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player PA is being viewed.

[0256] Then, it is determined whether the non-disclosure condition is satisfied for the gameplay video of player PA (step S14). If the non-disclosure condition is satisfied for the gameplay video of player PA (Y in step S14), the gameplay video of player PA is set to a non-disclosure mode (step S15). Then, the gameplay video of player PA is controlled so that viewers cannot view it (step S16).

[0257] On the other hand, if the gameplay video of player PA does not satisfy the non-disclosure condition (N in step S14), the process returns to step S13.

[0258] Then, it is determined whether the game has ended (step S17), and if the game has not ended (N in step S17), game processing is performed regardless of the viewing status of the game play video of the player PA (step S18). Then, the process returns to step S17. If the game has ended (Y in step S17), the process ends.

[0259] 9A, if predetermined input information is not received from player PA during game play by player PA (N in step S3), game processing is performed regardless of the viewing status of the game play video of player PA (step S4). Then, it is determined whether the game has ended (step S5), and if the game has not ended (N in step S5), the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the game has ended (Y in step S5), the process ends.

[0260]

[12] Explanation of game processing for characters In this embodiment, the game parameters of the character involved with the player may be changed based on the viewing situation.

[0261] Here, the "character involved with the player" may be a character operated by the player. Also, the "character involved with the player" may be a character controlled by a computer, and may be a character that is in an enemy or friendly relationship with the character operated by the player. It may also be a character controlled by another player who is on the player's side.

[0262] [12.1] Viewers' selection of characters to be rated In this embodiment, a character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among a plurality of characters involved with the player in response to a selection instruction from the viewer.

[0263] FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen SC10 of a game play video of a player PA, which the server device 10 causes the terminal device 20 of a viewer (for example, a player PX) to display.

[0264] For example, the game screen SC10 displays an image 101 in which the character PAC of the player PA and the character EC are placed in a game space and the game space is viewed from a given viewpoint. The viewer can select one of the characters PAC and EC to be evaluated (to be subject to changes in the character's parameters, etc.). The character EC may be a character to be operated by another player (for example, the player PB) or may be a character controlled by a computer.

[0265] For example, when the server device 10 receives a selection of a character PAC from a viewer PX, the server device 10 performs a process of changing at least one of the game parameters of the character PAC and the benefit to be given to the character PAC. For example, the process of changing the game parameters may be performed so that the character PAC has an advantage. On the other hand, the process of changing the game parameters of the character EC that the viewer PX did not select is not performed.

[0266] In other words, the server device 10 controls the display of the same gameplay video (gameplay video of the player PA playing the game) to multiple viewers, so that the character selected by more viewers can advance in the game with an advantage.

[0267] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the server device 10 receives a selection for a character PAC from a viewer PX, the server device 10 may perform processing to change at least one of the game parameters of the character PAC and the benefits to be granted to the character PAC depending on the posting status corresponding to the character PAC selected by the viewer PX (such as the "tipping value (evaluation amount of the tipping)", the number of tipping items posted, and the content of the post).

[0268] For example, the server device 10 may perform a process to change at least one of the game parameters of the character PAC and the benefits granted to the character PAC so that it is advantageous, depending on an increase in the value of the tip to the character PAC selected by the viewer PX or the number or amount of tip items.

[0269] Furthermore, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters of the character PAC and the benefit to be given to the character PAC so as to be advantageous, depending on the content posted for the character PAC selected by the viewer PX. As described above, the "content posted" refers to the type of tipping item, etc., and may also include information about the character to which the post is made, indicating whether the comment is about a specific character and to which character the post is made.

[0270] For example, the server device 10 may grant a reward item for the character to be posted or increase the parameters of the character based on the type of tipping item for the character selected by the viewer, the content of the comment, etc. In other words, the server device 10 may change the content of the reward to be granted to the character to be posted (the character selected by the viewer) depending on the type of posted item, or may make the reward better the more positively rated (highly rated) the posts are.

[0271] Furthermore, the server device 10 may display game play video information 82 on the game screen SC10, as shown in FIG.

[0272] In addition, the server device 10 may display information 83 on the game screen SC10, including the number of viewers (e.g., 203 people) indicating the number of viewers watching the gameplay video of player PA, the number of likes (e.g., 30) indicating the number of viewers who gave a like, and the number of dislikes (e.g., 5) indicating the number of viewers who gave a dislike.

[0273] Furthermore, the server device 10 may display information 102 on the game screen SC10 indicating that the viewer PX has given a high rating.

[0274] In addition, the server device 10 may determine the character to be evaluated (the character to be subject to parameter change) based on the viewer's input information at the time when the conditions for publishing the gameplay video of the player PA are met, at the time when the viewer starts watching, or at any time while the viewer is watching.

[0275] [12.2] How to determine the character whose game parameters are to be changed In this embodiment, a character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among a plurality of characters involved in the player according to the situation in which the mode was changed to public mode. The "situation in which the mode was changed to public mode" refers to, for example, change trigger information indicating the occasion (trigger) in which the mode was changed to public mode (information indicating that the mode was changed to public mode as a result of receiving input information from the player PA, or information indicating that the mode was changed to public mode as a result of the game play situation reaching a predetermined situation), change date and time information indicating when the mode was changed to public mode, etc.

[0276] In addition, in this embodiment, the character whose game parameters are to be changed may be determined from among the multiple characters involved with the player, depending on the status of each character when the mode is changed to public mode.

[0277] Here, "character status" refers to at least one of the character's parameters (for example, parameters such as attack power, defense power, HP value, etc.) and the character's position (display position on the game screen or position in the game space).

[0278] For example, when multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 involved with the player are displayed on the game screen, the server device 10 may determine, when changing to the public mode, the character PAC1 with the lowest HP value among the multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 as the character whose game parameters will be changed.

[0279] Also, for example, in a music game in which multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 involved with the player are displayed on the game screen, if the character PAC2 is the center character positioned in the middle when the mode is changed to public mode, the server device 10 may determine that character PAC2 is the character whose game parameters are to be changed.

[0280] In addition, the server device 10 may determine, among the multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 involved with the player, for example, the character that attacks the enemy character the most or the character that is most successful, as the character whose game parameters are to be changed.

[0281] [12.3] How to determine changes to game parameters In this embodiment, the content of changes to game parameters may be determined depending on the situation when the mode is changed to public mode. "Determining the content of changes to game parameters" means determining which parameter (e.g., attack power) to change from among multiple game parameters (e.g., attack power, defense power, HP value, etc.) and determining the degree of change (level, change rate).

[0282] Furthermore, the server device 10 may determine the changes to the game parameters depending on the status of each character when the mode is changed to the public mode.

[0283] For example, when multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 involved with the player are displayed on the game screen, when the mode is changed to public mode, the server device 10 determines the character PAC1 with the lowest HP value among the multiple characters PAC1, PAC2, and PAC3 as the character whose game parameters will be changed, and further controls the character PAC1 to increase its HP value (for example, add 100 to the stamina value of character PAC1).

[0284] For example, in an action game in which a player is involved and multiple characters PAC1 and PAC2 are placed, the server device 10 determines, of the multiple characters PAC1 and PAC2, the character PAC2 that is closer to the boss character as the character whose game parameters are to be changed, and further controls the attack power of character PAC2 to be increased (for example, the attack power of character PAC2 is doubled).

[0285] [12.4] Computer-controlled selection of characters to be evaluated Furthermore, when there are multiple characters on the game play screen of the player PA being viewed by the viewer, the server device 10 may automatically, by computer control, select a character to be evaluated (subject to tipping), and change at least one of the parameters of the selected character and the item to be awarded according to the evaluation of the viewer (for example, the value of the tipping).

[0286] [12.5] Request for Support For example, when the gameplay video of player PA is set to public mode, if the game situation of player PA's character PAC worsens (for example, if the stamina value falls below 30%), the gameplay video of player PA may be distributed to the viewer's terminal device 20, and support request information (for example, message information such as "Please help player PA's character PAC") may also be notified.

[0287] For example, the terminal device 20 of the player PX may issue a support request by inserting and displaying support request information into a game screen in which the game is progressing based on input information from the player PX.

[0288] The terminal device 20 of the player PX may then issue a support request information, thereby enabling the player PA to view the game play video. For example, upon receiving the support request information from the terminal device 20 of the player PX, the server device 10 controls the terminal device 20 of the player PX to treat the player PX as a viewer and enable the player PA to view the game play video. The server device 10 then accepts a selection of character PAC from the game play video from the terminal device 20 of the player PX, and, if a high evaluation is received, controls the character PAC to have its attack power and vitality value increased.

[0289] [12.6] Processing according to the period and timing of accepting evaluations In addition, the server device 10 may set a reception period for receiving evaluations (e.g., tips, likes, likes, and likes) from viewers for each character, and may receive evaluations from viewers within the reception period.

[0290] The server device 10 may accept evaluations of the character PAC from viewers during the acceptance period, for example, from the time when the character PAC activates a special move until 15 seconds have elapsed. During the acceptance period for evaluations of the character PAC, a mark or message saying "Accepting evaluations" may be displayed above the character PAC on the gameplay screen viewed by the viewers.

[0291] Furthermore, when changing the parameters of a character based on the viewing situation, the server device 10 may provide a period during which the rate of change (degree of change) of the parameters is increased compared to normal changes to the character.

[0292] For example, if the server device 10 receives a tip evaluation from a viewer for the character PAC between time T1 when the game starts and time T2 when 60 seconds have elapsed, and the tip evaluation amount for the period from T1 to T2 is 100, the server device 10 will change the attack power of the character PAC from the normal 100 to double that to 200.

[0293] Then, if a tip evaluation for character PAC is received from a viewer between time T2 and time T3, which is 120 seconds after the game start time T1, and the tip evaluation amount for the period from T2 to T3 is 100, the attack power of character PAC will be changed from the normal 100 to three times that amount, 300.

[0294] Furthermore, if a tip evaluation for character PAC is received from a viewer between time T3 and the end of the game at time T4, and the tip evaluation amount for the period from T3 to T4 is 100, character PAC's attack power is changed from the normal 100 to four times that amount, 400. In this way, even if the tip amount is the same, the tip evaluation at the end of the game can have a greater impact on character PAC than the early part of the game, allowing viewers to enjoy the evaluation. This can also motivate them to watch the gameplay video to the end.

[0295]

[13] Explanation of gameplay video streaming The server device 10 uses a video distribution service to live stream (live broadcast) video data of game play video showing the game play status of the player, who is the game operator (broadcaster), to the viewer's terminal device 20 via the video distribution server 30.

[0296] In this embodiment, the "game play video showing the game play status of the player" refers to a so-called game commentary video, which may be a video of the game screen or a video of the player who is the game operator (broadcaster). Also, the video of the game screen and the video of the player may be arranged side by side on the screen. Furthermore, the video of the player may be inserted as a wipe into the video of the game screen.

[0297] Furthermore, the "game play video showing the game play status of the player" may include audio data of the player who is the game operator (distributor).

[0298] The video distribution server 30 is connected to the terminal devices 20 of the players who play the game, the terminal devices 20 of the viewers, and the server device 10 via a network.

[0299] In this embodiment, the server device 10 may have a video distribution function and distribute game play video data to the terminal devices 20 of the viewers.

[0300] The server device 10 may also store a player ID (player name), viewing status, and game information (game name, quest information, stage number, etc.) in association with identification information of each game play video of each player.

[0301] In this embodiment, a relay server 40 may be provided as shown in Fig. 11. The relay server 40 is a device that mainly relays data between the server device 10 and the viewer's terminal device 20, and between the video distribution server 30 and the viewer's terminal device 20, and provides interactive streaming content in which the viewer can participate.

[0302] The relay server 40 controls the terminal devices 20 of the players playing the game (terminal devices 20 of the distributor), the terminal devices 20 of the viewers, the server device 10, and the video distribution server 30 so that they are connected to each other via a network and can send and receive data between them.

[0303] The viewer's terminal device 20 transmits evaluation information (tipping value, high rating, etc.) associated with the selected character (character ID) to the relay server 40. Then, the relay server 40 receives the evaluation information (tipping value, high rating, etc.) associated with the selected character (character ID) from the viewer's terminal device 20.

[0304] The viewer's terminal device 20 may transmit the viewer's input information (touch operation information) to the relay server 40 from the start to the end of the game play by the player who is the game operator, and the relay server 40 may analyze the input information received from the viewer's terminal device 20 and determine information about the character selected by the viewer (e.g., character ID) and evaluation information associated with the character (e.g., tip value, high evaluation, etc.).

[0305] Then, the relay server 40 transmits information about the character selected by the viewer and the evaluation information associated with that character to the server device 10, and the server device 10 receives the information about the character selected by the viewer and the evaluation information associated with that character from the relay server 40 and performs game processing.

[0306] The viewer's terminal device 20 may receive data for selecting a character or for evaluating (supporting) a character from the server device 10 in advance.

[0307] For example, the game system of this embodiment may be configured with a user terminal device 20 (viewer terminal device 20), a server device 10 (game server), and a posting server 50 that processes posts by viewers.

[0308] The posting server 50 can communicate with the server device 10 (game server) without having to run the game, and can reflect game effects in the game according to the posted content, or change the posted content according to the game results, etc.

[0309] The user's terminal device 20 communicates with the server device 10 (game server) to send and receive information related to the game, and communicates with the posting server 50 to perform processing related to posting.

[0310] The posting server 50 and the server device 10 (game server) communicate with each other. The posting server 50 obtains information related to the game from the server device 10 (game server), and the server device 10 (game server) obtains information related to posts from the posting server 50.

[0311] Regarding the screen displayed on the user's terminal device 20 (a screen on which information related to the posting is superimposed on a game screen (a screen on which a tipping object or the like is superimposed)), the user's terminal device 20 may perform a display process for superimposing the information on the terminal device 20 based on information acquired from the server device 10 (game server) and the posting server 50, respectively, or the server device 10 (game server) or the posting server 50 may perform the superimposition and then display the superimposed information on the user's terminal device 20. Note that the game system may be composed of only the user's terminal device 20 and the posting server 50. The posting server 50 may also function as the relay server 40 described above.

[0312]

[14] Application example [14.1] Replay video In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which server device 10 streams (live streams) a video of a player's gameplay in real time. However, a replay video (recorded video) of the player's gameplay may also be streamed. For example, server device 10 may stream a replay video (recorded video) of the player's gameplay to a viewer's terminal device 20 via a video distribution server 30 that provides a video distribution service. Furthermore, server device 10 may have a video distribution function and stream a replay video (recorded video) of the player's gameplay. In this way, viewers who were unable to view the live broadcast can enjoy the live broadcast video at a later time.

[0313] Furthermore, the server device 10 may accept ratings and posts from viewers who watch a replay video of the game play of the player PA. After the fact, the server device 10 may change at least one of the game parameters of the player PA (character PAC of the player PA) and the benefits to be given to the player PA who played the game, depending on the viewing status of the replay video.

[0314] [14.2] Examples of application to various games This embodiment can also be applied to battle games, fighting games, sports games, racing games, action games, music games, training games, simulation games, puzzle games, communication-type games, and the like.

[0315]

[15] Other The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, terms cited in the specification or drawings as broadly defined or synonymous terms can be replaced with broadly defined or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

[0316] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects). The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects as the configurations described in the embodiments or that can achieve the same purpose. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0317] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail as above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0318] 10 Server device, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Terminal device, 100 Processing section, 112 Quest setting section, 113 game processing unit, 114 benefit granting unit, 115 reward granting unit, 116 display control unit, 117 mode control unit, 118 viewing control unit, 119 reception unit, 120 communication control unit, 121 Web processing section, 122 Management section, 123 Notification section, 130 image generation unit, 140 sound processing unit, 160 input unit, 170 memory unit, 171 main memory unit, 172 image buffer 174 game data storage unit, 176 player information storage unit, 180 Information storage media, 196 Communications Department, 200 processing unit, 211 display control unit, 212 reception unit, 213 notification unit, 220 communication control unit, 221 Web browser, 230 Image generation unit, 240 Sound generation unit, 260 input unit, 262 detection unit, 270 storage unit, 271 main memory unit, 272 image buffer, 274 game data memory unit, 276 player information storage unit, 280 Information storage medium, 290 Display section, 292 Sound output section, 296 Communication section

Claims

1. A game system that performs game processing. a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when the player accepts to play a game on behalf of the other player for a quest set by the other player; The viewing control unit A game system characterized by controlling the game play video so that it can be viewed by the other players, and controlling the game play video so that it cannot be viewed by viewers other than the other players.

2. A game system that performs game processing. a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A game system characterized in that a character whose game parameters are to be changed is determined from the player character and other characters based on the game parameters of the player character operated by the player when the public mode is changed and the game parameters of other characters.

3. A game system that processes game data, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A game system characterized in that a character to be subject to game parameter change is determined from among the player character and other characters based on the positional relationship between the player character operated by the player and a predetermined character and the positional relationship between other characters and the predetermined character when the mode is changed to the public mode.

4. A game system that performs game processing. a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A game system characterized in that at least one of the game parameters of the player character and the game parameters of other characters is changed depending on the status of the player character operated by the player and the status of other characters when the mode is changed to the public mode.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The viewing control unit A game system characterized by controlling gameplay video related to a game event so that it can be viewed when the player's gameplay video is set to public mode and the player's gameplay meets the conditions for the occurrence of a game event.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The game processing unit A game system characterized in that game parameters of a player character operated by the player are changed based on the viewing situation.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The game processing unit A game system characterized in that the benefit given to the player is changed based on the viewing status.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The game processing unit A game system characterized by performing game processing based on at least one of the number of views and viewing ratings of the game play video during the specific period.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The game processing unit A game system characterized in that the better the viewing status of the game play video during the specified period, the more advantageous at least one of the game parameters of the player character operated by the player and the benefits granted to the player are changed.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The game processing unit The game system is characterized by performing game processing using the viewer posting status for the game play video during the specified period as the viewing status.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The mode control unit A game system characterized in that, when a game play video set to a public mode satisfies a non-public condition, the game play video is set to a non-public mode.

12. A server device that processes a game a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when the player accepts to play a game on behalf of the other player for a quest set by the other player; The viewing control unit A server device that controls the game play video so that the other players can view the game play video, and controls the game play video so that viewers other than the other players cannot view the game play video.

13. A server device that processes a game a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; If the gameplay video of the player is set to public mode, a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video so that the gameplay video can be viewed; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A server device characterized in that a character whose game parameters are to be changed is determined from the player character and other characters based on the game parameters of the player character operated by the player when the public mode is changed and the game parameters of other characters.

14. A server device that processes game data, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A server device characterized in that a character to be subject to game parameter change is determined from among the player character and other characters based on the positional relationship between the player character operated by the player and a predetermined character and the positional relationship between other characters and the predetermined character when the mode is changed to the public mode.

15. A server device that processes a game a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video of the player is being viewed, The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A server device characterized in that it changes at least one of the game parameters of the player character and the game parameters of other characters depending on the status of the player character operated by the player and the status of other characters when the mode is changed to the public mode.

16. A program for processing a game, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; causing the computer to function as a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video is being viewed by the player; The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when the player accepts to play a game on behalf of the other player for a quest set by the other player; The viewing control unit A program that controls the gameplay video so that the other players can view the gameplay video, and controls the gameplay video so that viewers other than the other players cannot view the gameplay video.

17. A program for processing a game, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; causing the computer to function as a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video is being viewed by the player; The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A program characterized by determining, from among the player character and other characters, a character whose game parameters are to be changed, based on the game parameters of the player character operated by the player when the public mode is changed and the game parameters of other characters.

18. A program for processing a game, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; causing the computer to function as a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video is being viewed by the player; The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit The player character to be operated by the player when the mode is changed to the public mode and the A program characterized by determining a character to be subject to change of game parameters from among a player character and other characters based on a positional relationship with a certain character and a positional relationship between other characters and the certain character.

19. A program for processing a game, a mode control unit that sets a gameplay video showing a gameplay status of a player to a private mode, and when a disclosure condition is satisfied, changes the gameplay video of the player from the private mode to a public mode; a viewing control unit that controls the gameplay video of the player to be viewable by viewers when the gameplay video of the player is set to a public mode; causing the computer to function as a game processing unit that performs game processing based on a viewing status of the game play video during a specific period in which the game play video is being viewed by the player; The mode control unit determining that the disclosure condition is satisfied when at least one of the following occurs: when predetermined input information is received from the player while the player is playing the game; and when the game play situation reaches a predetermined situation; The game processing unit A program characterized by changing at least one of the game parameters of the player character and the game parameters of other characters according to the status of the player character operated by the player and the status of other characters when the mode is changed to the public mode.

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