Content management program, content management system, and content management method

Abstract

To allow a person who desires to acquire digital content related to a game to be involved in a number given to digital content easily.SOLUTION: A content management program causes a computer to function as: reception means for receiving an acquisition instruction for game-related content related to game distribution information transmitted from a viewer terminal by an operation of the viewer; time storage means for associating information indicating reception time which is the time that the acquisition instruction is received with viewer identification information for identifying the viewer, and storing the information in a storage part; state discrimination means for discriminating a game distribution state in the reception time; number allocation means for allocating a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction on the basis of the game distribution state discriminated for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; and imparting means for imparting, to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information, the game-related content to which the predetermined number allocated to the viewer identification information is given.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content management program, a content management system, and a content management method for providing game-related digital content to those who wish to acquire it. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the value of digital content related to games has become increasingly diverse, and the buying and selling of digital content has become more and more popular (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-152815 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when digital content is purchased, it may be assigned a serial number. As the value of digital content diversifies, the value of the digital content may vary depending on the assigned number. For example, digital content assigned with rare numbers such as low numbers or repeated numbers may be traded at a high price.

[0005] However, the number assigned to a digital content is generally determined in the order of purchase or randomly, and there is little room for a person wishing to acquire the digital content to have any influence over the number assigned to the digital content.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a content management program, a content management system, and a content management method that enable those who wish to acquire digital content related to games to easily participate in the number assigned to the digital content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a content management program for assigning numbered game-related content, which is digital content related to distributed game distribution information, to viewers who watch the distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, and causes a computer to function as: a reception means for accepting an instruction to obtain the game-related content, sent from the viewer terminal by operation of the viewer; a time storage means for storing information indicating the reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, in association with viewer identification information that identifies the viewer; a status determination means for determining the game distribution status at the reception time, which includes one or both of the status of the game and the status of the information assigned to the game; a number assignment means for assigning a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; and an assignment means for assigning the game-related content, which has the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information, to a viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information.

[0008] According to the content management program, viewers can operate their viewer terminals to obtain numbered game-related content. The number assigned to the game-related content is determined based on the game distribution status at the time the viewer's request to obtain the content is accepted. This makes it easier for viewers who wish to obtain the game-related content to have an influence on the number assigned to the game-related content.

[0009] The granting means may use a blockchain to issue a non-fungible token that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content bearing the predetermined number, or may request the issuance of the non-fungible token from another computer that can issue the non-fungible token.The content management program described above can prevent tampering with or copying of numbered game-related content, thereby maintaining the rarity of the numbered game-related content.

[0010] The number assigning means may set serial numbers equal to the total number of acquisition instructions received by the receiving means, and assign one of the set serial numbers to the viewer identification information as the predetermined number. For example, for game-related content that is made unique by being assigned a serial number, the assigned serial number can affect the value of the game-related content. The content management program described above makes it easier to influence the serial numbers assigned to acquired game-related content.

[0011] The game distribution information may include a gameplay video of a match to determine the outcome of the game, and the time during which the reception means is able to receive an instruction to acquire the game-related content related to the match may be from the start to the end of the match. By limiting the time during which an instruction to acquire the game-related content can be received from the start to the end of the match, the rarity of the game-related content can be increased.

[0012] The game distribution information may be a gameplay video in which a character appears in the game, and the status determination means may determine the game distribution status based on a state or action of the character during the reception time.

[0013] The game distribution information may include comment information regarding comments sent from the viewer terminal, and the status determination means may determine the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception period.

[0014] The game distribution information may include gameplay video and comment information regarding comments made by a commentator in response to the gameplay video, and the status determination means may determine the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception time.

[0015] The granting means may grant the viewer a benefit corresponding to the predetermined number along with the game-related content having the predetermined number.

[0016] The granting means may grant the viewer, as the benefit, an image of the game video corresponding to the reception time.

[0017] The situation determination means may determine the rarity of the game distribution status at the reception time, and the number assignment means may determine the predetermined number to be assigned to the viewer identification information according to the rarity of the game distribution status corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction. For example, the higher the rarity of the game distribution status corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction, the higher the rarity of the number to be assigned, thereby improving the satisfaction of the person wishing to acquire the game with the assigned number.

[0018] A content management system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a program storage unit that stores any of the content management programs described above, and the computer that executes the program stored in the program storage unit.

[0019] A content management method according to one aspect of the present invention is a content management method executed in a content management system having a memory unit and a computer, for assigning numbered game-related content to viewers who watch distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, wherein the computer receives an instruction to obtain the game-related content related to the game distribution information, which is sent from the viewer terminal by operation of the viewer, the computer associates information indicating the reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, with viewer identification information that identifies the viewer and stores these in the memory unit, the computer determines the game distribution status at the reception time, which includes one or both of the status of the game and the status of the information assigned to the game, the computer assigns a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction, and assigns the game-related content with the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for people who wish to acquire digital content related to a game to be involved in the number assigned to the digital content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of content management using a content management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the distribution-related device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen displayed on a player terminal. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the viewer terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen displayed on a viewer terminal. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the content management server shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the process flow of various devices shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of allocation of situation rarity. [Figure 9] 10 is a table showing an example of a correspondence relationship between situation rarity and serial number. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] <Embodiment> A content management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0023] [System Overview] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of content management using a content management system 1 according to one embodiment. The content management system 1 is a system that provides digital content related to games (hereinafter, may be referred to as game-related content) to those who wish to acquire the content. In this embodiment, an example is described in which video data of game matches (matches) watched in a tournament where computer games are held as competitions, so-called e-sports (electronic sports) tournaments, is provided as game-related content.

[0024] The content management system 1 includes a distribution server 6 and a content management server 8. The distribution server 6 distributes the matches that have been played as part of game distribution information so that they can be viewed by multiple viewer terminals 7. Note that, for simplicity of the drawing, only one viewer terminal 7 is shown in FIG. 1. In addition to the match video, the distributed game distribution information may also include live audio commentary by a commentator and various camera images such as wipe images of players (see FIG. 5).

[0025] The content management system 1 allows viewers to purchase video data of the match they are watching. Specifically, when the viewer performs a purchase operation on the viewer terminal 7, a purchase instruction is sent from the viewer terminal 7 to the content management server 8. Upon receiving the purchase instruction from the viewer terminal 7, the content management server 8 provides the video data as game-related content to the viewer who sent the purchase instruction.

[0026] Purchase of video data of a match is limited while the match is in progress. The content management server 8 provides the same video data of the match to all viewers who request it within the time limit. However, the video data is linked to a non-fungible token (hereinafter, simply referred to as an NFT), ensuring the uniqueness of the video data.

[0027] That is, in this embodiment, the content management server 8 uses a blockchain to issue an NFT linked to the video data, thereby granting each viewer video data whose uniqueness is guaranteed. In other words, the content management system 1 of this embodiment grants a non-fungible token to a viewer who watches game distribution information, proving that they are the owner of game-related content related to the game distribution information.

[0028] The content management server 8 is communicatively connected to a blockchain network 9. An NFT is data recorded on the blockchain network 9 that proves ownership of the video data linked to that NFT. The blockchain network 9 is a distributed ledger network that uses blockchain technology. The blockchain network 9 includes multiple nodes 9a interconnected in a P2P (Peer to Peer) manner. The multiple nodes 9a are communication terminals that distribute and store the same data and mutually verify it to prevent tampering, etc. The nodes 9a are, for example, personal computers, smartphones, tablets, servers, etc. The blockchain network 9 may be a public network or a private network.

[0029] In this embodiment, the content management server 8 issues the same number of NFTs as the number purchased, in other words, the same number as the total number of acquisition instructions. Each NFT is assigned a serial number. The serial number of the game-related content acquired by each viewer is different.

[0030] In this way, even if the game-related content itself assigned to multiple potential purchasers is the same video data, the uniqueness of the game-related content is ensured by the different serial numbers associated with the game-related content. For such game-related content, the assigned serial number can affect the value of the game-related content. For example, game-related content assigned a highly rare serial number, such as a low number (e.g., a serial number in which all digits except the first digit are zero) or a repeating number, can be traded at a higher price than game-related content assigned a less rare serial number. For this reason, potential purchasers may desire game-related content assigned a serial number that is as rare as possible. In this embodiment, potential purchasers are made more likely to have an influence on the number assigned to the digital content. This will be described in more detail below.

[0031] [Streaming equipment configuration] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of distribution-related equipment 2 shown in Fig. 1. Distribution-related equipment 2 is equipment for distributing game distribution information that can be viewed by viewers to viewer terminals 7. Distribution-related equipment 2 includes one or more player terminals 3, one or more audio capture devices 4, one or more image capture devices 5, and a distribution server 6.

[0032] (Player terminal) The player terminal 3 is a game device operated by a player competing in a game in an e-sports tournament. The player terminal 3 progresses the game in response to operational inputs by the player. In this embodiment, the game competition is exemplified by a game in which two players compete against each other. The two player terminals 3 operated by the two competing players each have roughly the same configuration, so only one player terminal 3 will be described.

[0033] (Hardware configuration of player terminal) First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the player terminal 3. The player terminal 3 includes a control unit 30, an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a storage unit 33, an audio output unit , and a network interface .

[0034] The control unit 30 controls the operation of the player terminal 3. The control unit 30 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 30 is connected to an operation unit 31, a display unit 32, a storage unit 33, an audio output unit 34, and a network interface 35 via a bus or the like.

[0035] The operation unit 31 accepts operations by the player. In this embodiment, the operation unit 31 is a dedicated game controller equipped with a joystick and multiple buttons, which is externally attached to a terminal main body (game device main body) including the control unit 30.

[0036] The display unit 32 displays game images that are visually recognized by the player. In this embodiment, the display unit 32 is a liquid crystal display that is externally attached to the terminal main body (game device main body) that includes the control unit 30.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is mainly composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), read only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 33 stores, for example, a game program and game data for executing a game.

[0038] The audio output unit 34 is a device that outputs game sounds, and is, for example, a speaker or headphones.

[0039] The network interface 35 is an interface that connects the player terminal 3 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The player terminal 3 can communicate with the player terminal 3 that the opponent uses to input operations and the distribution server 6 via the network interface 35.

[0040] (Functional configuration of the control unit of the player terminal) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the player terminal 3. The control unit 30 of the player terminal 3 functions as a game progression means 301 and a transmission means 302 by executing various programs such as a game program stored in the storage unit 33.

[0041] The game progression means 301 progresses the game in response to operation inputs by the player to the player terminal 3. For example, the game progression means 301 progresses the competitive game in synchronization with another player terminal 3 operated by another player who is the opponent.

[0042] An example of a game battle screen described in this embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, as an example of a battle game, a fighting game is described in which one player controls a character selected from a plurality of characters, and fights one-on-one in a virtual space against a character controlled by another player who is the opponent. The same battle screen 100 is displayed on two display units 32 that are respectively viewed by the two players competing in the battle.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the battle screen 100 includes an image of a game space S captured by a virtual camera. The virtual camera is located within the game space S. Two characters P1 and P2, each controlled by two players competing against each other, are located in the three-dimensional virtual game space S. The virtual camera moves or zooms within the game space S depending on the positions of the two characters P1 and P2, for example, so as to include the two characters P1 and P2 in the captured image. Basically, the virtual camera captures images of the two characters P1 and P2 from the sides of the two characters P1 and P2 facing each other and fighting. Therefore, on the battle screen 100, one of the two characters P1 and P2 is located on the right side of the screen, and the other is located on the left side of the screen.

[0044] Two vitality display areas 101, 102 are arranged at the top of the battle screen 100, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The two vitality display areas 101, 102 show the vitality values ​​of two characters P1, P2, respectively. When an attack by one of the two characters P1, P2 hits the other character, the remaining vitality of the other character decreases.

[0045] Furthermore, two technique point display areas 103, 104 are arranged at the bottom of the battle screen 100, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The two technique point display areas 103, 104 respectively show the technique points consumed when two characters P1, P2 perform a predetermined special move. The technique points increase based on predetermined rules, such as when the characters perform a predetermined action.

[0046] A time display area 105 is disposed between two stamina display areas 101, 102 on the battle screen 100. The time display area 105 indicates the remaining time of the battle. As a result of the battle, the character whose stamina value reaches zero within the time limit, or the character with the least remaining stamina when the remaining time reaches zero, becomes the loser of the match, and the other character becomes the winner of the match.

[0047] The game progression means 301 executes the start and end of a match, the progress of the game during a match, etc. Furthermore, the game progression means 301 controls the behavior of the player character corresponding to the player based on the operation input by the player to the operation unit 31. When the player competes against another player (opponent), the game progression means 301 controls the behavior of the character corresponding to the opponent based on input information received from the opponent's player terminal 3 and indicating the operation content for the opponent's player terminal 3. The game progression means 301 increases or decreases various parameters of each character, such as the stamina value, skill points, and remaining time of the match.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 2, the transmission means 302 transmits game play information for playing game play videos to the distribution server 6 directly or indirectly via another device such as a server.

[0049] (Audio capture device) One or more audio capture devices 4 capture audio that can be used for game distribution information. The audio capture devices are, for example, microphones. In this embodiment, the audio capture devices 4 capture audio uttered by a commentator who provides commentary on the game (see FIG. 1). The audio information captured by the audio capture devices 4 is sent to a distribution server 6.

[0050] (Image acquisition device) One or more image capture devices 5 capture images that can be used for game distribution information. The image capture devices 5 are, for example, cameras. In this embodiment, the one or more image capture devices 5 capture images of the facial expressions of players, the facial expressions of commentators, the state of the venue of an e-sports tournament, etc. (see FIG. 1). The image information captured by the image capture devices 5 is sent to a distribution server 6.

[0051] (Distribution server) The distribution server 6 distributes game distribution information to viewer terminals 7. The distribution server 6 may be configured from a plurality of devices that communicate with each other.

[0052] (Distribution server hardware configuration) First, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the distribution server 6. The distribution server 6 includes a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a network interface 62, an input / output interface 63, and an input / output interface 64.

[0053] The control unit 60 controls the operation of the distribution server 6. The control unit 60 includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 60 is connected to a storage unit 61, a network interface 62, an input / output interface 63, and an input / output interface 64 via a bus or the like.

[0054] The storage unit 61 is mainly composed of a HDD, a ROM, and a RAM, and stores programs and data for executing various processes.

[0055] The network interface 62 is an interface that connects the distribution server 6 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The distribution server 6 can communicate with the player terminals 3, the viewer terminals 7, the content management server 8, etc. via the network interface 62. For example, the distribution server 6 receives game play information for playing game play videos from, for example, the player terminals 3 via the network interface 62.

[0056] The input / output interface 63 is an interface for connecting to the voice capturing device 4, which is an external device. The distribution server 6 receives live voice information indicating the voice uttered by the live commentator from the voice capturing device 4 via the input / output interface 63. The input / output interface 63 may be an input / output port to which a cable extending from the voice capturing device 4 is connected, or may be a communication interface for communicating with the voice capturing device 4, for example, wirelessly.

[0057] The input / output interface 64 is an interface for connecting to the image acquisition device 5, which is an external device. The distribution server 6 receives camera information indicating an image captured by the camera from the image acquisition device 5 via the input / output interface 64. The input / output interface 64 may be an input / output port to which a cable extending from the image acquisition device 5 is connected, or may be a communication interface for communicating with the image acquisition device 5, for example, wirelessly.

[0058] (Functional configuration of the control section of the distribution server) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the distribution server 6. The control unit 60 of the distribution server 6 functions as a battle video recording means 601 and a distribution means 602 by executing various programs, including a part of a content management program, stored in the storage unit 61.

[0059] The battle video recording means 601 records game play information for playing game play videos received from the player terminals 3 via the network interface 62 in the storage unit 61. The game play information may be game play video data itself, or may be data that enables the game play video to be reproduced, such as operation information indicating operation inputs made by the player to the operation unit 31.

[0060] The distribution means 602 distributes the game distribution information to a plurality of viewer terminals 7 via the network interface 62. The distribution means 602 also sends the game distribution information to the content management server 8 via the network interface 62.

[0061] [Viewer device configuration] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the viewer terminal 7 shown in Fig. 1. The viewer terminal 7 enables the viewer to view game distribution information distributed from the distribution server 6.

[0062] (Hardware configuration of viewer terminal) First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the viewer terminal 7. The viewer terminal 7 includes a control unit 70, an operation unit 71, a display unit 72, a storage unit 73, an audio output unit 74, and a network interface 75. The viewer terminal 7 is, for example, a portable information terminal.

[0063] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the viewer terminal 7. The control unit 70 includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 70 is connected to an operation unit 71, a display unit 72, a storage unit 73, an audio output unit 74, and a network interface 75 via a bus or the like.

[0064] The operation unit 71 accepts operations from the viewer. The display unit 72 displays game images that are visually recognized by the player. In this embodiment, the operation unit 71 and the display unit 72 form a touch screen.

[0065] The storage unit 73 is mainly composed of a ROM and a RAM, and stores an application program for displaying received game distribution information, etc.

[0066] The audio output unit 74 is a device that outputs audio included in the received game distribution information. The audio output unit 74 is, for example, a speaker or headphones.

[0067] The network interface 75 is an interface that connects the viewer terminal 7 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The viewer terminal 7 can communicate with the viewer terminal 7 operated by the viewer for input and the distribution server 6 via the network interface 75.

[0068] (Functional configuration of the control section of the viewer terminal) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 70 of the viewer terminal 7. The control unit 70 of the viewer terminal 7 functions as a display control means 701 and a transmission means 702 by executing an application program stored in the storage unit 73.

[0069] The display control means 701 displays the game distribution information on the display unit 72. The game distribution information includes game play information. The game play information includes information indicating the state or movement of a character, information indicating the character's position, information indicating the character's remaining stamina, and other parameters. The game distribution information includes live audio information indicating the audio emitted by a live commentator from the audio capture device 4. The game distribution information also includes camera information indicating images captured by a camera from the image capture device 5. The game distribution information includes comment information regarding comments sent from the viewer terminal 7. The game distribution information includes information related to the purchase of game-related content, etc.

[0070] The transmitting means 702 sends a viewing request to the distribution server 6 to request viewing of game distribution information in response to the viewer's operational input to the viewer terminal 7. The transmitting means 702 also sends a comment (information) to the distribution server 6 in response to the viewer's operational input to the viewer terminal 7. The transmitting means 702 also sends an acquisition instruction to the content management server 8 in response to the viewer's operational input to the viewer terminal 7.

[0071] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen 200 displayed on the display unit 72 of the viewer terminal 7. The display control means 701 generates a display image of the viewing screen 200 as game distribution information and outputs it to the display unit 72. The viewing screen 200 includes a distribution image display area 201, a chat display area 202, and a purchase reception display area 203.

[0072] The distributed image display area 201 includes a game play image area 201a for displaying game play video images of players. For example, the game play image area 201a displays the same image as the image of the battle screen 100 displayed on the player terminal 3. The distributed image display area 201 may also include an area 201b for displaying camera information captured by the image capture device 5, such as the facial expressions of players. The chat display area 202 displays comment information from viewers received by the distribution server 6 from multiple viewer terminals 7.

[0073] The purchase reception display area 203 includes an information display area 203a that displays information related to the purchase of video data of the match being viewed. The information display area 203a also displays a message indicating that the video data being purchased is linked to an NFT.

[0074] Additionally, for example, the information display area 203a may include information related to the purchase of video data of the match being viewed, such as the purchase price of the video data of the match being viewed and purchase conditions such as the purchase acceptance period. For example, the information display area 203a may also display a message indicating that the video data of the match being viewed can only be purchased during the match. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a message indicating the purchase acceptance period is displayed, such as "Serial numbered match videos can only be purchased during the match." Note that the information display area 203a may also display a countdown of the remaining time until the purchase acceptance period.

[0075] Also, for example, in the information display area 203a, a message indicating that the viewer can have an influence on the serial number assigned to the video data is also displayed. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the message indicating that the viewer can have an influence on the assigned serial number is, for example, "If you press the purchase button during an exciting scene, you will be more likely to be assigned a serial number that is a low number, a repeating number, or a round number."

[0076] Furthermore, for example, a purchase button icon 203b is included in the purchase reception display area 203. When the purchase button icon 203b is selected and executed, the transmission means 702 transmits a purchase instruction from the viewer terminal 7 to the content management server 8.

[0077] [Content Management Server Configuration] 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the content management server 8 shown in FIG. 1. Upon receiving a request for acquisition from the viewer terminal 7, the content management server 8 assigns video data as game-related content to the viewer who sent the request for acquisition. Note that assigning game-related content to a viewer who wishes to acquire the content means that the game-related content is directly or indirectly linked to the viewer's identification information and stored. In this embodiment, as an example of assigning game-related content to a viewer, the issuance of an NFT linked to the game-related content, which proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content, is described.

[0078] (Hardware configuration of Content Management Server 8) First, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the content management server 8. The content management server 8 includes a control unit 80, a storage unit 81, and a network interface .

[0079] The control unit 80 controls the operation of the content management server 8. The control unit 80 includes a processor such as a CPU. The control unit 80 is connected to a storage unit 81 and a network interface 82 via a bus or the like.

[0080] The storage unit 81 is mainly composed of a HDD, a ROM, and a RAM. The storage unit 81 stores programs and data for executing various processes, such as a content management program. The content management program is a program for assigning game-related content with a serial number to viewers.

[0081] The network interface 82 is an interface that connects the content management server 8 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The content management server 8 can communicate with the viewer terminal 7 and the distribution server 6 via the network interface 82.

[0082] (Functional configuration of the control section of the content management server) Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the control unit 80 of the content management server 8. The control unit 80 of the content management server 8 executes a content management program stored in the storage unit 81, thereby functioning as a reception unit 801, a time storage unit 802, a status determination unit 803, a number allocation unit 804, and an assignment unit 805.

[0083] The receiving means 801 receives an acquisition instruction transmitted from the viewer terminal 7. The acquisition instruction is an instruction to purchase game-related content related to game distribution information, and is an instruction to acquire NFTs.

[0084] The time storage means 802 stores information indicating the reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, in association with viewer identification information for identifying the viewer in the storage unit 82. The information indicating the reception time is information for specifying the timing during the reception-enabled time, described below, at which the viewer's acquisition instruction was received. The reception time is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, or a divided time including the time when the acquisition instruction was received when a certain time during which the game is being distributed (for example, the reception-enabled time, described below) is divided into multiple divided times.

[0085] The status determination means 803 executes a status determination process. The status determination process is a process for determining the game distribution status at the time of reception of each acquisition instruction received by the reception means 801. The game distribution status is the status of game distribution information currently being distributed. The game distribution status includes one or both of the status of the game and the status of the information assigned to the game.

[0086] For example, the game distribution status includes the status of the game being distributed, i.e., the game play status. The game play status is the status of the game play video. For example, the game play status includes the status of the player's operation of the operation unit 31 and the status of the effect caused by the player's operation of the operation unit 31. For example, the game play status includes the state and actions of the characters. For example, the game play status includes the status when a battle starts, the status when one character's attack hits another character, the status when a character is knocked out, the status when a character activates a special move, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, the game distribution status may include the status of comments made by viewers watching the match being distributed, and the status of comments may include, for example, the number of comments made per predetermined time period.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, the game distribution status may include the status of the commentator's comments regarding the gameplay being distributed, such as the number of comments made by the commentator per hour or the volume of the comments.

[0089] The status determination means 803 determines the status on a time basis from various information included in the game distribution information. For example, when a certain time during which a game is distributed (for example, an available time, described later) is divided into a plurality of divided time periods, the status determination means 803 determines the level of excitement of the game distribution in each divided time period. Details of the status determination process, such as a method for determining the level of excitement of the game distribution, will be described later.

[0090] The number assignment means 804 executes a number assignment process, which is a process of assigning a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction, based on the game distribution status determined by the status determination means 803.

[0091] Specifically, the number assignment means 804 sets serial numbers whose total number is equal to the total number of acquisition instructions received by the reception means 801. For example, if the content management server 8 receives acquisition instructions from the viewer terminals 7 of 1,000 viewers during a certain match, the number assignment means 804 sets serial numbers ranging from 1 to 1,000. Then, the number assignment means 804 assigns serial numbers to the viewer identification information according to the game distribution status determined for the reception time of each acquisition instruction. The number assignment process will be described in detail later.

[0092] The granting means 805 executes an NFT granting process. The NFT granting process is a process of granting to a viewer game-related content with a predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information corresponding to the viewer. Specifically, the granting means 805 uses a blockchain to issue an NFT that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content with the serial number.

[0093] The granting unit 805 also executes a bonus granting process. The bonus granting process grants a bonus to the viewer to whom the NFT is granted. In this embodiment, the granting unit 805 grants the viewer an image of a game video corresponding to the reception time as a bonus. The bonus granted in the bonus granting process is digital content, just like the game-related content granted in the NFT granting process; however, while the uniqueness of the game-related content granted in the NFT granting process is guaranteed, the uniqueness of the bonus granted in the bonus granting process is not guaranteed.

[0094] [Content assignment process] Next, we will explain the flow of providing game-related content with a serial number to a viewer in the content management system 1. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the flow of processing by various devices in the content management system 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0095] In the viewer terminal 7, the transmission means 702 sends a viewing request to the distribution server 6 to request viewing of game distribution information in response to an operational input from the viewer to the viewer terminal 7 (step S1). The viewing request in step S1 includes the viewer's identification information. For example, the viewer's identification information may be the viewer's name information, account information registered by the viewer, etc. The viewing request may also include account information for money or cryptocurrency to be paid by the viewer when obtaining game-related content.

[0096] In the distribution server 6 that has received the viewing request, the distribution means 602 begins distribution of game distribution information to the multiple viewer terminals 7 that sent the viewing requests (step S2). For example, the viewers are notified in advance of the start time of distribution of the game distribution information, and the distribution means 602 begins distribution of the game distribution information at the notified start time. In the viewer terminal 7, the display control means 701 displays the game distribution information on the display unit 72. In addition, once the game distribution information becomes available for viewing, the viewers can also send comments on the game distribution to the distribution server 6.

[0097] In order for viewers to purchase game-related content, the distribution server 6 sends viewer identification information, account information, etc. to the content management server 8. The viewer identification information and account information may also be sent directly from the viewer terminal 7 to the content management server 8.

[0098] The distribution means 602 also sends the game distribution information to the content management server 8 via the network interface 62. The content management server 8 uses the received game distribution information in the situation determination process of step S10, which will be described later. Video data does not need to be sent to the content management server 8; only information of the game distribution information that can be used for the situation determination process needs to be sent.

[0099] The transmission means 302 of the player terminal 3 transmits game play information for playing game play video to the distribution server 6 (step S3). After receiving the game play information, the game distribution information distributed by the distribution means 602 includes the game play information.

[0100] In the player terminal 3, the game progression means 301 starts the match in response to the player's operation input to the player terminal 3 (step S4). Simultaneously with the start of the match, the reception means 801 in the content management server 8 starts receiving acquisition instructions from the viewer terminal 7 (step S5). The time during which the reception means 801 can receive an instruction to receive game-related content related to the match (hereinafter referred to as the "receivable time") is the time from the start to the end of the match, as described above.

[0101] During the reception hours, the viewer's operation on the viewer terminal 7 causes the transmission means 702 to send a purchase instruction to the content management server 8 (step S6). That is, as shown in Fig. 7, the viewer's operation on the viewer terminal 7 causes the purchase button icon 203b to be selected and executed, causing the transmission means 702 to send a purchase instruction from the viewer terminal 7 to the content management server 8. For example, a viewer who wishes to obtain game-related content with a rare serial number presses the purchase button at a point where the game distribution is at its most exciting, such as a scene where a super killer move is activated.

[0102] In the content management server 8 that has received the acquisition instruction, the time storage means 802 stores information indicating the reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, in association with viewer identification information that identifies the viewer in the storage unit 82 (step S7).

[0103] When the match ends at the player terminal 3 (step S8), the accepting means 801 at the content management server 8 stops accepting the acquisition instruction from the viewer terminal 7 (step S9).

[0104] After the reception available time has ended, the status determination means 803 in the content management server 8 executes a status determination process (step S10). That is, the status determination means 803 determines the game distribution status at the time when the acquisition instruction is received.

[0105] The number allocation means 804 executes a number allocation process (step S11). That is, the number allocation means 804 allocates a serial number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the determined game distribution status.

[0106] The granting means 805 executes an NFT granting process (step S12). Specifically, the granting means 805 stores video data of the viewed game match in the storage unit 81 as game-related content. However, the game-related content may be stored in a server other than the content management server 8. The granting means 805 also uses a blockchain to issue an NFT that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content that has the serial number assigned in step S11.

[0107] The granting means 805 also executes a bonus granting process (step S13). That is, the granting means 805 grants a bonus to the viewer along with the NFT based on the acquisition instruction. In this embodiment, the granting means 805 grants, as a bonus, image data included in the game distribution information corresponding to the time when the acquisition instruction was received, such as gameplay image data, to the viewer. For example, if an acquisition instruction is received by a viewer's operation in a scene where a character in a distributed image uses a special move, the granting means 805 grants, as a bonus, to the viewer gameplay image data of the moment when the character uses the special move.

[0108] (Situation determination processing) The status determination process in step S10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 8. The status determination means 803 determines the game distribution status at the reception time when the acquisition instruction is received.

[0109] In this embodiment, the situation determination means 803 determines the rarity of the game streaming situation at the time of receiving the acquisition instruction. The rarity of the game streaming situation and the excitement level of the game streaming are correlated. For example, a highly rare gameplay situation, such as when a character controlled by a player hits an opponent's character with a special move in a pinch, is likely to be a situation that excites viewers watching the game. Furthermore, such a highly rare gameplay situation tends to result in, for example, an increase in viewers' comments praising the player and an increase in the voice of the commentator. For this reason, in this embodiment, the excitement level of the game streaming is indirectly determined by determining the rarity of the game streaming situation. Hereinafter, the rarity of the game streaming situation may also be referred to as situation rarity.

[0110] 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of allocating a situation rarity to each divided time when the available time is divided into a plurality of divided times. As shown in Fig. 8, the situation determination means 803 sets a situation rarity for each divided time within the available time for acquisition, that is, the time from the start of the battle to the end of the battle.

[0111] For example, the divided time is a time obtained by equally dividing the available time. For example, the divided time is a predetermined number of frames of the frame rate, which is the period for generating game images for drawing the game screen. For example, the divided time may be one frame. The situation determination means 803 may set a situation rarity for each frame. In the example of Figure 8, the situation rarity is set to one of S rank, A rank, B rank, and C rank. S rank, A rank, B rank, and C rank have increasing rarity in that order. However, the situation rarity may also be set as a numerical value or the like.

[0112] For example, the situation determination means 803 determines the rarity of the game distribution situation at the time of receiving the acquisition instruction according to predetermined criteria, based on the game play information included in the game distribution information. For example, in the example of Figure 8, when a character activates a rare technique (e.g., a super special technique), the situation determination means 803 sets the situation rarity for the time when the technique is activated to S rank or A rank, which is higher than the situation rarity before or after the technique is activated. Furthermore, the situation determination means 803 sets the situation rarity at the time of activation of the technique or immediately after the technique is activated to S rank, which is the highest situation rarity.

[0113] In this way, the status determination means 803 sets the rarity of the game distribution status during the reception time for each acquisition instruction received during the reception available time.

[0114] (Number allocation process) Next, the number assignment process in step S11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of the correspondence between situation rarity and serial numbers. The storage unit 81 stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence between situation rarity and serial numbers. In the correspondence information, the higher the situation rarity, the higher the rarity of the corresponding serial number. The number assignment means 804 assigns a serial number to the viewer identification information of the viewer corresponding to the reception time of each acquisition instruction, based on the situation rarity determined by the situation determination means 803 and the correspondence information. In other words, the number assignment means 804 assigns a higher rarity to the number to be assigned as the game distribution situation corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction becomes more rare.

[0115] In the example of FIG. 9, the number of situation rarities and corresponding serial numbers is fixed, but for example, the number of acquisition instructions (in other words, the number of viewers) set for a certain situation rarity may not match the number of serial numbers corresponding to that situation rarity. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, only one serial number, "1," corresponds to an S-rank situation rarity, but the situation determination means 803 may set an S-rank situation rarity for acquisition instructions from multiple viewers. In this case, for example, the number assignment means 804 may assign the serial number "1," corresponding to the S-rank situation rarity, to one viewer randomly selected from the multiple viewers set for the S-rank situation rarity. Then, the viewers with the S-rank situation rarity who were not selected may be demoted to an A-rank situation rarity.

[0116] Furthermore, if the number of serial numbers corresponding to a situation rarity of A rank is greater than the number of acquisition instructions (in other words, the number of viewers) for which a situation rarity of A rank is set, for example, the number assignment means 804 may randomly select viewers equal to the difference in number from among a plurality of viewers for which a situation rarity of B rank, which is one rank lower than A rank, is set, and assign serial numbers corresponding to a situation rarity of A rank to the selected viewers.

[0117] In this way, the number allocating means 804 allocates a serial number to each viewer who sends a request for acquisition during the reception available time.

[0118] [Action and effect] To summarize the above, the content management program of this embodiment is a content management program for assigning numbered game-related content, which is digital content related to game distribution information, to viewers who watch distributed game distribution information on viewer terminals 7, and causes the control unit 80 (computer) to function as: a reception means 801 that accepts an instruction to obtain game-related content sent from the viewer terminal 7 by viewer operation; a time memory means 802 that stores information indicating the reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, in correspondence with viewer identification information that identifies the viewer; a status determination means 803 that determines the game distribution status at the reception time; a number assignment means 804 that assigns a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; and an assignment means 805 that assigns game-related content with the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information.

[0119] According to the content management program of this embodiment, viewers can obtain numbered game-related content by operating the viewer terminal 7. The number assigned to the game-related content is determined based on the game distribution status at the time of receiving the viewer's request to obtain the game-related content. This makes it easier for viewers who wish to obtain the game-related content to be involved in the number assigned to the game-related content.

[0120] Furthermore, viewers who are avid game viewers, such as game enthusiasts, can easily grasp the game distribution status and are therefore more likely to press the purchase button at the timing when the most rare serial number is assigned. On the other hand, those who do not concentrate on watching the distributed games or are not interested in the distributed games, such as those who wish to acquire game-related content for the purpose of reselling, are less able to grasp the game distribution status. Therefore, by determining the number assigned to game-related content based on the game distribution status at the time of receiving the purchase request from the viewer, it becomes possible to more easily assign game content with a highly valuable number to those who are avid game viewers, such as game enthusiasts.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the viewer is given game-related content with a predetermined number by issuing an NFT that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content with the predetermined number. This prevents the numbered game-related content from being tampered with or copied, and maintains the rarity of the numbered game-related content.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the time during which an instruction to acquire game-related content can be accepted is limited to the time from the start to the end of a battle, which increases the rarity of game-related content.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, viewers are given benefits along with NFTs, which can provide a sense of satisfaction even to viewers who are not interested in NFTs.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number allocation means 804 allocates a number with a higher rarity as the game distribution status corresponding to the time of receipt of the acquisition instruction becomes more rarity. In this way, by increasing the rarity of the allocated number, it is possible to improve the satisfaction of the person who wishes to acquire the game with the allocated number.

[0125] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the processing procedures of the control unit described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0126] For example, in the above embodiment, the operation unit 31, the display unit 32, etc. of the player terminal 3 are externally attached (externally connected) to the terminal main body including the control unit 30, but they may also be built into the terminal main body including the control unit 30. For example, the player terminal may be a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. For example, the operation unit may be another input device such as a game controller, a touch screen, a keyboard, or a mouse. Furthermore, the display unit does not have to be a stationary display, and may be a touch screen, a head-mounted display, etc.

[0127] The distribution-related device 2 is not limited to the configuration described in the above embodiment. For example, the distribution-related device 2 does not have to include the player terminal 3. Furthermore, for example, the distribution-related device 2 does not have to include either or both of the audio capture device 4 and the image capture device 5.

[0128] The viewer terminal 7 may have the same hardware configuration as the player terminal 3. The viewer terminal 7 may also be a game device capable of playing a game like the player terminal 3. The viewer may be a game participant who logs in to the game and participates in the game, and the distributed game distribution information may be viewable within the game while logged in to the game.

[0129] The game distribution status described in the above embodiment includes both the status of the game and the status of the information assigned to the game, but the game distribution status is not limited to this. For example, the game distribution status may include only one of the game play status and the status of the information assigned to the game. For example, the game distribution status may include only the game play status, or may include only the status of the information assigned to the game. Comments by the commentator and comments by viewers are given as examples of information assigned to the game, but the information assigned to the game is not limited to this. The information assigned to the game may be either one of comments by the commentator and comments by viewers. The information assigned to the game may include information other than comments by the commentator and comments by viewers.

[0130] Although the content management program has been described as being executed by a computer configured by the control unit 80 of the content management server 8, the content management program is not limited to this. For example, a computer that executes the content management program may be configured by control units of multiple devices. For example, a computer that executes the content management program may be configured by one or both of the control unit of the distribution server and the control unit of the content management server, or may include a control unit of a device different from the control unit of the distribution server and the control unit of the content management server.

[0131] For example, the control unit 80 of the content management server functions as the functional units 801 to 805 by executing the content management program stored in the storage unit 81. However, instead of the control unit 80 of the content management server, for example, the control unit 60 of the distribution server 6 may function as part or all of the functional units 801 to 805. In this case, the content management program of the present invention is a program stored in the distribution server, or a program stored in a distributed manner in the content management server and the distribution server. The distribution server and the content management server may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0132] In the above embodiment, examples of numbers with high rarity include low numbers with all digits except the first digit being zero, repeated numbers, and round numbers, but these are merely examples. The rarity of a number can vary depending on the game being watched and the broadcast status. For example, numbers associated with the title of the game being watched, numbers associated with the broadcast date such as the date of an e-sports tournament, and numbers associated with a player such as the player's birthday can be highly rarity-valued.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the viewer is provided with game-related content with a predetermined number by issuing an NFT that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content with the predetermined number. In other words, game-related content with a predetermined number also includes game-related content linked to an NFT with a predetermined number. In this way, the provision of a predetermined number to game-related content includes the provision of a predetermined number being associated with the game-related content. Furthermore, the provision of a predetermined number to game-related content may also mean that the game-related content itself includes the predetermined number as information. For example, if the game-related content is image data, the provision of a predetermined number to game-related content also includes the provision of information indicating the predetermined number in the image.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the granting means 805 of the content management server 8 uses a blockchain to issue a non-fungible token that proves that the viewer is the owner of game-related content with a predetermined number, but the content management server 8 itself does not have to issue the non-fungible token. For example, the granting means may use a blockchain to request the issuance of a non-fungible token from another computer that can issue non-fungible tokens.

[0135] In the above embodiment, video data of the viewed game match (bout) was described as the game-related content provided to the viewer by the providing means. However, this video data may be a video with commentary in which a commentator's comments are added to the game play video, or a video without commentary in which a commentator's comments are not included. Furthermore, the game-related content provided to the viewer by the providing means is not limited to video data of the game match. The game-related content provided to the viewer by the providing means may be video data showing highlights of the match, still image data of a certain moment in the match video, or video data showing how the players operate the control devices in the streamed match.

[0136] While the game-related content is digital content linked to a non-fungible token using the blockchain network 9, the game-related content is not limited to this. For example, it may be a non-fungible asset within a game. The viewer may be a player playing a game, and the granting means may grant the viewer a non-fungible asset within the game, such as an object (e.g., an item), as the game-related content. In other words, the control unit of the game server may execute a content management program to function as a granting means that grants a non-fungible asset within the game, such as an object (e.g., an item), to a viewer who is a game participant, as the game-related content. In this case, the granting means stores information indicating the non-fungible asset within the game in the storage unit, in association with identification information (e.g., game account information) of the game participant who wishes to obtain the non-fungible asset.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the granting means 805 granted the viewer, as a bonus, an image (image of gameplay video) included in the game distribution information corresponding to the reception time when the acquisition instruction was received, but the bonus is not limited to this.

[0138] For example, if the game distribution information includes a video of a game match that progresses through player operations on the player terminal 7, as in the above embodiment, the granting means may grant the viewer a video showing highlights of the match as a bonus.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, when the game distribution information includes a video of a game that progresses through the player's operation on the player terminal, as in the above embodiment, the granting means may grant the viewer content introducing the player (for example, an introductory video of the player) as a bonus.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, when the game distribution information includes a video of a game progressing through a player's operation of an operation unit of a player terminal, as in the above embodiment, the awarding means may award to the viewer, as a bonus, a video showing how the player operates the operation unit. That is, a camera placed near the player terminal or a camera attached to the player terminal may capture an image of the player's hands during game play, and the captured video may be used as a score.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, when the game distribution information includes a video of a game in which the player progresses by operating the operation unit of the player terminal while looking at the display unit of the player terminal, as in the above embodiment, the granting means may grant the viewer, as a bonus, a video from the player's perspective that is displayed on the display unit.

[0142] For example, among so-called first-person shooter games, in which a player controls a character while viewing an image from the same perspective as the character, there is a battle royale-style competitive game in which multiple characters placed in a single virtual space repeatedly fight, with the last survivor becoming the winner. In this type of game, each participating player views from a different perspective. In other words, in the virtual space, each player has a virtual camera that captures the images displayed on the display unit. However, since it is difficult to include images from all virtual cameras in the game distribution information viewed by viewers, the virtual camera used for distribution is usually switched as appropriate. For example, the granting means may grant viewers a video from the perspective of the winner of this type of competitive game as a bonus.

[0143] Furthermore, the benefit does not have to be digital content. For example, the benefit may be analog content such as a trading card in a medium that can actually be touched (for example, a paper medium). Furthermore, the benefit may be a right to participate in a lottery that will be held after the benefit is granted. In other words, the benefit may be a right to participate in a lottery in which the winner can receive some kind of prize or souvenir, such as a New Year's card with a New Year's gift.

[0144] The granting unit may or may not change the type of benefit to be granted for each viewer who transmitted a purchase instruction within the acceptable time. In the above embodiment, the granting unit granted a benefit to all viewers who transmitted a purchase instruction within the acceptable time, but the granting unit may grant a benefit to only some of all viewers who transmitted a purchase instruction within the acceptable time.

[0145] For example, the granting means may change the content of the benefit to be granted to the viewer depending on the serial number attached to the non-fungible token. Alternatively, for example, the granting means may grant the benefit only to a viewer whose non-fungible token has a predetermined serial number attached to it. For example, The granting means grants a privilege to a first viewer whose viewer identification information is assigned a predetermined number (for example, a number in which all digits except the first digit are zero or a number that is a repeat of the same digit), and grants a privilege less rare than the privilege granted to the first viewer to a second viewer whose assigned number is other than the predetermined number, or may not grant a privilege to the first viewer.

[0146] For example, the granting unit may change the content of the benefit to be granted to the viewer depending on the time when the acquisition instruction is received. The granting unit may grant the viewer a benefit according to the number assigned to the game-related content, along with the game-related content having a number.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the acceptable time during which an instruction to acquire game-related content can be accepted is the time from the start to the end of the match, but the acceptable time is not limited to this. For example, the start of the acceptable time may be several minutes before the start of the match. For example, the end of the acceptable time may be a time some time has passed since the end of the match. For example, the end of the acceptable time may be the time when the commentator has finished giving his impressions of the match.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the status determination means 803 determines the game distribution status for each acquisition instruction received during the acquisition instruction reception period after the reception period has ended, but the status determination means may determine the game distribution status immediately after receiving each acquisition instruction. In other words, the game distribution status may be determined before the reception period ends.

[0149] In the example of Figure 8, an example is described in which the situation determination means 803 assigns a situation rarity to all divided times when the available time is divided into multiple divided times, but the situation determination means 803 may also assign a situation rarity only to the divided times for which an acquisition instruction has been issued.

[0150] Also, in Figure 8, it has been explained that the situation determination means 803 determines the rarity of the game distribution situation based on the game play information contained in the game distribution information, but the method by which the situation determination means determines the rarity of the game distribution situation is not limited to this.

[0151] For example, the status determination means may determine the game distribution status based on viewer comment information included in the game distribution information. For example, the comment information includes at least one of the number of comments and the content of the comments. For example, the status determination means may determine that the rarity of the game distribution status increases as the number of comments sent from viewers increases. For example, the status determination means may determine whether the content of the comments sent from viewers is positive, and if the content is positive, determine that the rarity of the game distribution status increases.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, the situation determination means may determine the game streaming situation based on commentary information about comments made by a commentator included in the game streaming information. The commentary information includes at least one of the volume of the comments, the number of comments, and the content of the comments. For example, the situation determination means may determine that the rarity of the game streaming situation increases as the volume of the commentator's comments increases. For example, the situation determination means may determine whether the content of the commentator's comments is positive, and if the content is positive, determine that the rarity of the game streaming situation increases.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, the situation determination means may determine the rarity of the game distribution situation by comprehensively determining game play information, comment information, commentator's remarks, and the like.

[0154] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the situation determination means 803 determines the rarity of the game distribution status at the time the acquisition instruction is received, and the number assignment means 804 increases the rarity of the specified number assigned to the viewer identification information corresponding to the time the acquisition instruction is received, the higher the rarity of the game distribution status corresponding to the time the acquisition instruction is received; however, the situation determination means does not have to determine the rarity of the game distribution status.

[0155] For example, the situation determination means may count the number of viewers at the time the acquisition instruction is received as the game distribution situation at the time the acquisition instruction is received. The number assignment means may assign a number with a higher rarity as the number of viewers determined by the situation determination means is higher. For example, the situation determination means may determine, as the game distribution situation at the time the acquisition instruction is received, whether a game play situation in which one of two competing characters has been knocked out, and the number assignment means may assign a number with a higher rarity to an acquisition instruction received in a game play situation in which the character has been knocked out.

[0156] 9 shows the correspondence information between the situation rarity (the rarity of the game distribution situation) and the serial number, but the correspondence information is not limited to this. For example, the correspondence information used by the number assignment means may be any information that indicates the correspondence between the game distribution situation and the number assigned to the game-related content.

[0157] The correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the game distribution status and the number assigned to the game-related content may be correspondence information automatically generated by a program stored in advance in the memory unit 81, or may be correspondence information created by a human being and stored in advance in the memory unit 81.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the assigning means 805 assigns game-related content with a predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information, but assigning game-related content with a predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to the viewer may also be performed by a human operating a computer.

[0159] In the above embodiment, a fighting game has been described as the game to be viewed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied not only to fighting games, but also to action games, role-playing games, puzzle games, shooting games, sports games, racing games, and the like.

[0160] The serial number that the number allocating means allocates to the viewer identification information is not limited to numbers, but may be symbols or alphabets, or a combination of numbers, symbols and alphabets.

[0161] The effects of the present invention can be achieved even when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, this embodiment, the modified examples, and other embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0162] [Disclosure Summary] Each of the following sections discloses a preferred embodiment.

[0163] [Item 1] A content management program for assigning numbered game-related content, which is digital content related to distributed game distribution information, to a viewer who views the distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, the program comprising: Computer, a receiving means for receiving an instruction to acquire the game-related content, the instruction being transmitted from the viewer terminal in response to an operation by the viewer; a time storage means for storing information indicating a reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer, in association with each other; a status determination means for determining a game distribution status including one or both of a status of the game and a status of information assigned to the game during the reception time; a number assigning means for assigning a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; and providing means for providing the game-related content with the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to a viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information; A content management program that acts as a

[0164] [Item 2] The content management program described in item 1, wherein the granting means uses a blockchain to issue a non-fungible token that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content bearing the specified number, or requests the issuance of the non-fungible token from another computer that can issue the non-fungible token.

[0165] [Item 3] The number allocation means set the same number of serial numbers as the total number of the acquisition instructions received by the receiving means, 3. The content management program according to item 1 or 2, wherein one serial number from among the set serial numbers is assigned to the viewer identification information as the predetermined number.

[0166] [Item 4] the game distribution information includes a gameplay video of a match to determine the outcome of the game; 4. A content management program according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the reception time during which the reception means can receive an instruction to acquire the game-related content related to the battle is from the start to the end of the battle.

[0167] [Item 5] the game distribution information includes a gameplay video in which a character appears in the game; 5. The content management program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on the state or behavior of the character during the reception time.

[0168] [Item 6] the game distribution information includes comment information regarding comments transmitted from the viewer terminal, 6. The content management program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception time.

[0169] [Item 7] the game distribution information includes a gameplay video and comment information regarding a commentator's comment on the gameplay video; 7. The content management program according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception time.

[0170] [Item 8] The content management program according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the granting means grants the viewer a benefit corresponding to the predetermined number along with the game-related content having the predetermined number.

[0171] [Item 9] 9. The content management program according to item 8, wherein the granting means grants, as the benefit, to the viewer an image of the game video corresponding to the reception time.

[0172] [Item 10] the situation determination means determines the rarity of the game distribution situation during the reception time, A content management program described in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the number assignment means determines the predetermined number to be assigned to the viewer identification information depending on the rarity of the game distribution status corresponding to the time of acceptance of the acquisition instruction.

[0173] [Item 11] a program storage unit that stores the content management program according to any one of items 1 to 10; the computer that executes the program stored in the program storage unit.

[0174] [Item 12] A content management method for assigning numbered game-related content to viewers who view distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, comprising: receiving an instruction to acquire the game-related content related to the game distribution information, the instruction being transmitted from the viewer terminal in response to an operation by the viewer; storing information indicating a reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer in association with each other in a storage unit; determining a game distribution status including one or both of a game status and a status of information assigned to the game during the reception time; assigning a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; A content management method in which the game-related content bearing the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information is assigned to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1: Content Management System 3: Player terminal 4: Audio capture device 5: Image acquisition device 6: Distribution server 7: Viewer terminal 8: Content Management Server 9: Blockchain network 301: Game progression method 302: Transmission method 601: Means for recording gameplay videos 602: Distribution method 701: Display control means 702: Transmission means 801: Reception method 802: Time storage means 803: Means of determining the situation 804: Number allocation means 805: Means of granting

Claims

1. A content management program for assigning numbered game-related content, which is digital content related to distributed game distribution information, to a viewer who views the distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, the program comprising: Computer, a receiving means for receiving an instruction to acquire the game-related content, the instruction being transmitted from the viewer terminal in response to an operation by the viewer; a time storage means for storing information indicating a reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, and viewer identification information for identifying the viewer, in association with each other; a status determination means for determining a game distribution status including one or both of a status of the game and a status of information assigned to the game during the reception time; a number assigning means for assigning a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; and providing means for providing the game-related content with the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information to a viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information; A content management program that acts as a

2. 2. The content management program of claim 1, wherein the granting means uses a blockchain to issue a non-fungible token that proves that the viewer is the owner of the game-related content bearing the specified number, or requests the issuance of the non-fungible token from another computer that can issue the non-fungible token.

3. The number allocation means set the same number of serial numbers as the total number of the acquisition instructions received by the receiving means, 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein one of the serial numbers set is assigned to the viewer identification information as the predetermined number.

4. the game distribution information includes a gameplay video of a match to determine the outcome of the game; 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the reception means is capable of receiving an instruction to acquire the game-related content related to the battle during a period from the start to the end of the battle.

5. the game distribution information includes a gameplay video in which a character appears in the game; 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on a state or action of the character during the reception period.

6. the game distribution information includes comment information regarding comments transmitted from the viewer terminal, 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception period.

7. the game distribution information includes a gameplay video and comment information regarding a commentator's comment on the gameplay video; 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the status determination means determines the game distribution status based on the comment information during the reception period.

8. 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the providing unit provides the viewer with a benefit corresponding to the predetermined number along with the game-related content having the predetermined number.

9. The game distribution information includes gameplay videos, The content management program according to claim 8 , wherein the granting unit grants, as the bonus, to the viewer an image of the gameplay video corresponding to the reception time.

10. the situation determination means determines the rarity of the game distribution situation during the reception time, 3. The content management program according to claim 1, wherein the number assignment means determines the predetermined number to be assigned to the viewer identification information depending on the rarity of the game distribution situation corresponding to the time when the acquisition instruction is received.

11. a program storage unit that stores the content management program according to claim 1 or 2; the computer that executes the program stored in the program storage unit.

12. A content management method for assigning numbered game-related content to viewers who view distributed game distribution information on a viewer terminal, the method being executed in a content management system having a storage unit and a computer, the method comprising: the computer receives an instruction to acquire the game-related content related to the game distribution information, the instruction being transmitted from the viewer terminal in response to an operation by the viewer; the computer stores in the storage unit information indicating a reception time, which is the time when the acquisition instruction was received, in association with viewer identification information that identifies the viewer; the computer determines a game distribution status including one or both of a game status and a status of information assigned to the game at the reception time; the computer assigns a predetermined number to the viewer identification information corresponding to the reception time of the acquisition instruction based on the game distribution status determined for the reception time of the acquisition instruction; A content management method in which the game-related content bearing the predetermined number assigned to the viewer identification information is assigned to the viewer corresponding to the viewer identification information.

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