Game play streaming management system and program

Abstract

To provide a game live play distribution management system or the like in which an audience is motivated to the viewing of a live game, and can be interested in a viewing target game play and be promoted to play the game.SOLUTION: A game live distribution server device 30 has a configuration of executing the viewing situation detection processing for detecting a viewing situation of an audience viewing a game where the distribution based on the game live play is executed, and executing the benefit imparting-related control processing for imparting the benefit for use in the game to the audience as the audience benefit on the basis of the game play information of the game where the distribution based on the game live play is executed and the detected viewing situation of the audience viewing the game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game live play distribution management system, a program, a game viewing management method, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Watching images of skilled players playing games is becoming recognized as an entertainment equivalent to watching sports.

[0003] Recently, video streaming services have begun to offer content called "game commentary," in which players play games and provide commentary on their gameplay, which has become a genre in itself.

[0004] In particular, recently, a system (hereinafter referred to as a "game play distribution management system") has become known that manages the distribution of game play commentary, granting benefits related to the game being commented on to viewers who are watching the game commentary (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-171283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the game play distribution management system described in Patent Document 1, viewers are given game-related benefits on the premise that they will be provided to the players who play the game live. While this is recognized as having the effect of increasing the appeal of viewing, it cannot be said that it has a significant effect in motivating viewers to play the game they are watching.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a game play distribution management system that can increase motivation to watch game play and can also make viewers interested in the game play they are watching, encouraging them to play the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and providing the viewer with gameplay information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and the detected viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game. a privilege-granting control means for executing a control for granting a privilege to be used in the game as a viewer privilege as a privilege-granting-related control; The configuration includes:

[0009] With this configuration, the present invention can motivate viewers of game commentary to watch the game that is the subject of the game commentary, and can also arouse viewers' interest in the gameplay of the game they are watching, encouraging them to play the game.

[0010] The "game viewing information" includes, for example, game images and game sounds of the game being streamed as a live broadcast, as well as audio and images of the player streaming the game.

[0011] In addition, "Gameplay Information" includes (A1) Information on parameters that change as the game progresses for an individual player or player character, such as level and experience points (hereinafter referred to as "game variable parameters"); (A2) The presence or absence of indicators or states (hereinafter referred to as "game elements") relating to the game of the player or player character at a given time, such as the cleared stage, task, level, the currently executed stage, task, level, or the attributes of the player character, the number and type of items held, or the number of members belonging to the same group and the role (position) of the player, and information on the type of the game elements; (A3) Information regarding the player's game behavior (hereinafter referred to as "game behavior"), such as whether or not there are in-game purchases, options to acquire rewards such as a battle pass, whether or not a lottery event is held and the lottery results, or whether or not a mini-game is held and the results thereof (hereinafter also referred to as "game behavior information"); These include:

[0012] Furthermore, the "viewer viewing situation" includes, for example, (B1) Viewer's viewing time for the game being distributed, (B2) Content of the game being watched by the viewer (the game stage in which the player is currently watching, the battle scene (battle scene, goal scene)), the viewing content showing the mini-game or lottery scene, (B3) The viewing environment, such as the terminal device and platform used by the viewer, (B4) The presence, type, and number of viewers' actions regarding the game viewing (hereinafter referred to as "viewer actions"), such as whether or not a fixed or non-fixed comment such as "like" has been provided (however, if the system allows these comments to be registered or recognized on the distribution side), (B5) The number of viewers viewing the game being distributed (the number of viewers at the current time, the number of viewers registered to watch, or the total number of viewers who have watched), and (B6) Viewer attributes (membership type, gender, generation), presence or absence of options (for example, bonus acquisition options), or viewer type such as whether or not there is a charge for viewing and the type based on the amount, These include:

[0013] In particular, the bonus acquisition option is an option called a battle pass, which is an option that provides an option-set player who has the bonus acquisition option with a more advantageous effect in the game than a non-option-set player who does not have the option, even if the game actions, game processing, and results thereof are the same.

[0014] In addition to the above, "control related to the granting of benefits" may mean directly controlling the granting of viewer benefits, or, if a device that provides a game, such as a game server device, is formed independently, it may mean instructing the device that provides the game to perform control to grant the viewer benefits.

[0015] (2) The present invention also provides The viewing status includes at least one of the viewing time of the game being viewed by the viewer, the viewing content of the game being viewed by the viewer, the viewing environment of the viewer, the number of viewers viewing the distributed game, and the type of viewer.

[0016] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, award viewer benefits to viewers who watch the game's execution status for more than one hour, or, if the configuration allows viewers to register comments about live play broadcasts, award viewer benefits to viewers who make those comments or who make many comments (long comments), or award viewer benefits that are more advantageous than those of other viewers who have not made as many comments.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention can set whether or not to provide viewer benefits and their relative merits depending on the viewing situation, so that game players and distributors can guide viewers to the parts and viewing methods they want them to watch, and can also motivate viewers to actively watch.

[0018] (3) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means When it is determined that the detected viewing situation satisfies a given condition, control is executed to change the viewer privilege to be granted.

[0019] With this configuration, the present invention can set whether or not to provide viewer benefits and their relative merits depending on the viewing situation, so that game players and distributors can guide viewers to the parts and viewing methods they want them to watch, and can also motivate viewers to actively watch.

[0020] The "given conditions" include, for example, (C1) Watching for a certain period of time or more, (C2) Viewing specific game content, such as a specific game stage or battle scene, (C3) Viewing on a specific platform, (C4) The prescribed standard comment has been registered, (C5) The number of viewers has exceeded a certain number, and (C6) Being a viewer who has made a specific payment; These include:

[0021] (4) The present invention also provides The viewer benefit to be given is an item related to the game.

[0022] With this configuration, the present invention can grant viewers of a game viewer benefits that can actually be used in the game, such as limited items used in the game or items acquired by players playing the game being distributed, or viewer benefits that viewers can easily imagine as viewer benefits.

[0023] (5) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means As the viewer benefit to be granted, a game to be distributed that the viewer is watching, The system is configured to control the game played by the viewer in order to link the game progress.

[0024] With this configuration, the present invention allows, for example, when a viewer plays a game themselves, to start the viewing portion of a game they have already watched (i.e., a game currently being distributed) in the playing state, or to clear a difficult part by watching a game played by an advanced player.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention can provide viewers with an advantageous situation by playing the game, thereby increasing the viewers' interest in the game and easily removing obstacles even in situations where the game is difficult and it is difficult to maintain motivation to continue.

[0026] In addition, "linking the game progress" includes, for example, when a viewer plays the same game as a player who is playing the game that is the subject of a live play-by-play broadcast, completing the same tasks or stages, having the same player characters or items, or playing the game under the same conditions.

[0027] (6) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means As a viewer benefit, when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play that he or she has viewed, a game content change control is executed to change the content of the part of the game that the viewer has viewed.

[0028] With this configuration, the present invention can change the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that is viewed and provide it to the viewer, thereby eliminating the sense of boredom that comes from watching the game and increasing the interest in the game.

[0029] The "game content change control" refers to, for example, when the part of the game that the viewer has watched is played, (D1) Controls to change the difficulty of that portion of the game, or (D2) Controls for changing the items and gimmicks of that part of the game, Shows.

[0030] (7) The present invention also provides 7. The game play distribution management system according to claim 6, The benefit granting control means The game content change control is configured to execute control for changing the difficulty level of the game that is the subject of the live game play viewed by the viewer.

[0031] With this configuration, the present invention can provide viewers with a variety of games that are the subject of live broadcast play that they have viewed.

[0032] It should be noted that "control to change the difficulty level of the part of the game viewed by the viewer" refers to controlling the difficulty level, for example, by increasing or decreasing the number of enemy characters on the stage of the viewed part when playing the game viewed by the viewer, or by increasing or decreasing the level of the enemy characters.

[0033] (8) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means The game content change control is configured to execute control to change the game elements of the portion viewed by the viewer when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that the viewer viewed.

[0034] With this configuration, the present invention can provide viewers with a variety of games they watch.

[0035] In addition, "game elements" include, for example, (E1) Appearing items and acquired items, (E2) Enemy characters, and (E3) Objects that make up the game space, Includes:

[0036] In addition, "control to change the game elements of the part viewed by the viewer" means, for example, (F1) adding game elements, (F2) Changes to game elements, (F3) Adding game element actions, and (F4) Change the action, action timing, and appearance timing of game elements, These include:

[0037] (9) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means As a viewer benefit, when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that he / she has viewed, a skip control is executed to cause the viewer to skip the content of the game that he / she has viewed.

[0038] With this configuration, the present invention makes it possible to skip the part of the game content that a viewer has viewed, for example, at the viewer's discretion when playing the game, or by processing within the game.

[0039] Therefore, the present invention can eliminate elements that make the game viewed less fresh, thereby maintaining the viewer's interest in the game.

[0040] (10) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means The control related to the granting of privileges is configured to execute control to grant the determined viewer privilege to the viewer when it is decided to grant the viewer privilege to the viewer and an instruction from the viewer that the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer privilege is received.

[0041] With this configuration, the present invention allows the viewer to control the granting of viewer privileges, so that the viewer's intentions regarding the granting of viewer privileges can be respected.

[0042] (11) The present invention also provides a first detection means for executing a game execution detection process for detecting whether the game viewed by the viewer is being executed; a notification control means for controlling a notification to the viewer regarding a viewer benefit granted to the viewer when it is detected by the game execution detection process that the viewer is not playing the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play that the viewer has watched; The present invention has a configuration further comprising:

[0043] With this configuration, the present invention can encourage viewers to play the game that is the subject of live broadcast play based on the viewer benefits that have been granted.

[0044] The "game execution detection process" includes detecting whether a viewer has logged in to the game in question, downloaded the game application in question, and registered as a user for a service that provides the game in question.

[0045] Furthermore, "notification control" includes, for example, notifying information about the content of the viewer privilege to be granted.

[0046] (12) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means When a viewer benefit is granted to the viewer, the system is configured to execute notification control to notify a player playing the game that is the subject of the live game play that the viewer to whom the viewer benefit has been granted has been granted a viewer benefit, or execute benefit provision control to provide the player with a given benefit as a game viewing information provider benefit.

[0047] With this configuration, the present invention can provide game viewing information provider benefits to players who are playing the game to be viewed (i.e., the game to be distributed), thereby increasing the motivation of the players in the distribution and encouraging them to watch the game.

[0048] The "game viewing information provider benefit" may be, for example, a benefit related to the same game as the viewer, or a success fee (i.e., money) generated from an affiliate game or the like.

[0049] (13) The present invention also provides The benefit granting control means The benefit is changed according to information about a player who is playing the game that is the subject of the live game play.

[0050] With this configuration, the present invention can change viewer benefits or game viewing information provider benefits, for example, depending on the number of subscribers to the channel of the player playing the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play (i.e., the channel for live broadcast play).

[0051] For example, in the present invention, when the number of subscribers to a channel is large, the viewer benefits or game viewing information provider benefits may be changed to benefits that have a more advantageous effect on viewers, and when the number of subscribers to a channel is small, the viewer benefits or game viewing information provider benefits may be changed to benefits that have a more advantageous effect on viewers.

[0052] Therefore, the present invention can improve the motivation of viewers to watch games, or the motivation of players who play the games to be watched to watch games to broadcast the games.

[0053] The "information about the player who plays the game that is the target of live streaming play" may include, for example, the number of subscribers to the channel that distributes the game viewing information of the player who plays the game that is the target of viewing, the type of the player, and the game that the player provided as the target of viewing. This includes the total number of viewers for the show, etc.

[0054] In particular, the "type of player" includes, for example, the attributes of the player (membership type, gender, generation).

[0055] (14) The present invention also provides a storage control means for storing game viewing information of the game that is the subject of the game live play in a storage means during the game live play; a second detection means for executing a viewing timing detection process for detecting a viewing timing of the viewer; Further provided with The benefit granting control means In the viewing timing detection process, when it is detected that the viewer is watching the game that is the subject of the corresponding live game play in real time based on the provided game viewing information, the benefit to be granted when the viewer is watching the game based on the game viewing information stored in the storage means is changed.

[0056] With this configuration, the present invention can, for example, grant more advantageous or disadvantageous benefits to viewers when they watch a game that is the subject of a live broadcast in real time while it is being broadcast live (i.e., in the case of live broadcast), than when they watch the game after it has already finished and based on stored game viewing information (i.e., broadcast based on an archive).

[0057] Therefore, since the present invention can change the benefits depending on the timing of viewing, it is possible to guide viewers to the timing at which they want to watch based on various intentions of the player or broadcaster, such as directing viewers to real-time distribution (i.e., live distribution) or to archive distribution (i.e., recorded distribution).

[0058] It should be noted that "when a game is being viewed based on game viewing information stored in the storage means" includes not only viewing the stored game viewing information as is (i.e., mirror distribution), but also viewing edited version of the game viewing information (including so-called cut video distribution).

[0059] In particular, the "distribution of game viewing information" may be a case where the player himself / herself is the main distributor of the information to the viewers, or a case where someone other than the player is the main distributor of the information to the viewers.

[0060] (15) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A program for managing live game play distribution that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; The computer has a configuration that allows the computer to function as a computer.

[0061] With this configuration, the present invention can motivate viewers of game commentary to watch the game that is the subject of the game commentary, and can also arouse viewers' interest in the gameplay of the game they are watching, encouraging them to play the game.

[0062] (16) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A game play distribution management method for managing distribution of a game play of a specific player from a server device to a terminal device of a viewer connected to the server device via a network, the game play being distributed to the viewer, the viewer being able to view the execution status of the game being played by the specific player, the game play management method comprising: The server device: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; When equipped with receiving the game viewing information distributed from the server device; providing information about the viewing status of the viewer to the server device; The information relating to the provision of the special benefit is received from the server device.

[0063] With this configuration, the present invention can motivate viewers of game commentary to watch the game that is the subject of the game commentary, and can also arouse viewers' interest in the gameplay of the game they are watching, encouraging them to play the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration showing a configuration of a game commentary distribution system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a game server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a game commentary distribution server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining game commentary distribution control management that controls and manages distribution based on game commentary in one embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a game commentary distribution control management that controls and manages distribution based on a game commentary executed in a game commentary distribution server device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] 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.

[0066] [1] Game live streaming system First, the outline and general configuration of a game commentary distribution system 1 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a game commentary distribution system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the game live streaming system 1 of this embodiment is configured so that a game server device 10 that provides game services, terminal devices 20 (e.g., terminal devices 20A, 20B, 20C), and a game live streaming server device 30 that distributes the execution status of games executed by players (i.e., the content of game live streaming) to viewers can be connected to the Internet (an example of a network).

[0068] Users (i.e., players or viewers) can access the game server device 10 from the terminal device 20 to play games transmitted from the game server device 10 via the Internet. In addition, by accessing the game server device 10 from the terminal device 20, users can communicate with other users. Furthermore, by accessing the game live streaming server device 30 from the terminal device 20, users can watch a live game play in which a specific player is playing a specific game while providing live commentary of the specific game being played.

[0069] The game server device 10 is an information processing device capable of providing a service that allows users to play games using terminal devices 20 connected for communication via the Internet. The game server device 10 may also function as an SNS server that provides communication-type services. Here, the SNS server may be an information processing device that provides a service that allows communication between multiple users.

[0070] Furthermore, when the game server device 10 functions as an SNS server, for example, it is capable of providing games called social games that are executed using the operating environment (API (Application Programming Interface), platform, etc.) of the SNS that it provides.

[0071] The game server device 10 may provide a browser game that is provided on a web browser of the terminal device 20, or may provide an online game that is executed by a dedicated platform.

[0072] In particular, when providing browser games, the game server device 10 is capable of providing games (games that can be launched simply by opening the installation site in a web browser) created in various languages, such as HTML, FLASH, CGI, PHP, shockwave, Java (registered trademark) applet, and JavaScript (registered trademark).

[0073] Social games differ from existing online games in that they do not require dedicated client software and can be played using only a web browser and a social networking account.

[0074] In addition, when providing an online game, the game server device 10 is configured to connect to other users' terminal devices (smartphones, personal computers, game consoles, etc.) 20 via a network and share the game progress online.

[0075] On the other hand, the game server device 10 may be configured with one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0076] Information such as billing information and game information stored in the memory area of ​​the game server device 10 (memory unit 140 described later) may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet), or when functioning as an SNS server, information such as player information storage unit 146 stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or internet).

[0077] Specifically, the game server device 10 of this embodiment receives input information based on operations by the user of the terminal device 20 (i.e., the player who executes the game), and performs game processing based on the received input information. The game server device 10 then transmits game processing results to the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 performs various processes to provide the game processing results received from the game server device 10 to the terminal device 20 so that the user can view them.

[0078] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device such as 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 game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 via a network such as the Internet (WAN) or a LAN. The communication line between the terminal device 20 and the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 may be wired or wireless.

[0079] The terminal device 20 also includes a web browser capable of viewing web pages (HTML data). That is, the terminal device 20 has a communication control function for communicating with the game server device 10, and performs display control using data (web data, data created in HTML format, etc.) received from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30.

[0080] The terminal device 20 has a web browser function for transmitting user operation data to the game server device 10 or the game commentary distribution server device 30, and executes various processes for providing the user with game screens or screens related to the distributed game commentary, allowing the user to play the game or watch the game commentary. However, the terminal device 20 may also acquire game play information provided by the game server device 10, execute predetermined game processing, and run the game based on the game processing.

[0081] Specifically, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the game server device 10 to play a predetermined game, the terminal device 20 is connected to the game site of the game server device 10 and the game starts. In particular, the terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as necessary to cause the game server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform predetermined processing, or to acquire the player information storage unit 146 managed by the game server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, and execute the game.

[0082] In particular, the terminal device 20 is configured to use an API as necessary to cause the game server device 10 functioning as an SNS server to perform a predetermined process, or to acquire the player information storage unit 146 managed by the game server device 10 functioning as an SNS server, thereby executing a game.

[0083] On the other hand, when the terminal device 20 makes a request to the game commentary distribution server device 30 to view a live game commentary of a specific game played by a specific player, the terminal device 20 is connected to the viewing site of the game commentary distribution server device 30 .

[0084] Then, when viewing of the game commentary starts, the terminal device 20 notifies the user who is a viewer of the game commentary. It executes various processes such as sending and receiving information for viewing the game commentary.

[0085] The game commentary distribution server device 30 is an information processing device that executes a game commentary distribution control management process that controls and manages distribution based on game commentary, including various distribution control processes (hereinafter referred to as "distribution control processes") that allow viewers to view the execution status of a game executed by a specific player via a terminal device 20 that is connected for communication via the Internet.

[0086] In particular, the game live streaming server device 30 acquires various types of game play information currently being executed, including operation information of a specific player, from the game server device 10, and image, audio, or both information of the specific player when live streaming the game from the game server device 10, the specific player's terminal device 20, or both (hereinafter referred to as "live content information").

[0087] In addition, the game commentary distribution server device 30 has the function of generating game viewing information for viewing game play information and commentary content information based on instructions from a specific player or in accordance with a distribution program, and distributing the generated game viewing information to the corresponding terminal device 20.

[0088] The game commentary distribution server device 30 may be configured with one (device, processor) or multiple (devices, processors).

[0089] In addition, the game viewing information stored in the memory area (memory unit 340 described later) of the game live streaming server device 30 may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet), and information such as a distribution program stored in the memory area may be stored in a database (broadly speaking, a storage device, memory) connected via a network (intranet or the Internet).

[0090] [2] Game server device Next, the game server device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the game server device 10 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the game server device 10 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0091] The game server device 10 includes an input unit 120 for use in input by the administrator and others, a display unit 130 for displaying predetermined information, 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 for mainly executing processing related to the game to be provided, and a memory unit 140 for storing various data mainly used in the game.

[0092] The input unit 120 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 120 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, and the like.

[0093] The display unit 130 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 130 of this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The storage unit 140 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 140 may be managed by a database.

[0097] In addition to the main memory 142, the memory unit 140 of this embodiment also includes: (A1) a game data storage unit 144 in which game information indicating information related to a game is stored; (A2) A player information storage unit 146 that stores player information indicating information about each player and information about the player's game (hereinafter referred to as "player-related information"); (A3) a benefit information storage unit 148 storing benefit information relating to benefits to be given to players; It has the following characteristics.

[0098] The game data storage unit 144 stores information about the game field on which the game is played, condition information used for various judgments, information about each object on the game field, information for changing each object, various table information, information about each player's player character, and information about each item used in the game.

[0099] The player information storage unit 146 stores the following player-related information for each player: (B1) The player's nickname, player ID, and if the player belongs to a team, the name of the team and its ID (hereinafter referred to as "affiliation information"); (B2) Information regarding individual and team performance, such as current level (player level), score, experience value, energy parameter value (life energy value, stamina value, and power value), earned rewards, or game time (hereinafter also referred to as "performance information"); (B3) Information on the characteristics (presence or absence of abilities and parameters that define each ability) and attributes (including level) of the player character (if there are multiple player characters, information on the characteristics and attributes of each character); (B4) Information regarding charges, such as billing history and billing amounts; (B5) Item-related information including information on items held by the player character (hereinafter referred to as "item information") and information on items held in the past; (B6) Information regarding login (access) history (hereinafter referred to as "access history information") (B7) Information on acquired benefits (hereinafter also referred to as "acquired benefit information"); (B8) Information about the team you belong to (hereinafter referred to as "Team Information"), and (B9) Information about other players with whom you have a certain relationship, such as registered friends or followers (hereinafter also referred to as "related players") (hereinafter referred to as "related player information"); etc. are stored.

[0100] The privilege information storage unit 148 stores, as privilege information, information relating to privileges to be given to viewers who watch a live game play broadcast when the broadcast is executed.

[0101] The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main memory unit 142 in the memory unit 140 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 are implemented by various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (Gate Array Integrated Circuit), and the like. This can be achieved by hardware such as a computer or a program.

[0102] 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).

[0103] For example, the processing unit 100 (processor) controls the entire game server device 10 based on a program stored in an information storage medium, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between the various units. Furthermore, it performs processes to provide various services in response to requests from the terminal devices 20.

[0104] Specifically, the processing unit 100 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 101, a Web processing unit 102, a game management unit 103, a player management unit 104, a bonus control unit 108, a timer management unit 109, and an information provision unit 110.

[0105] The communication control unit 101 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data via a network with the terminal device 20. That is, the game server device 10 performs various processes based on information received by the communication control unit 101 from the terminal device 20 and the like.

[0106] In particular, the communication control unit 101 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit a game screen to the terminal device 20 of a player based on a request from the terminal device 20 of that player.

[0107] The communication control unit 101 also executes various processes for accepting instructions input by the player to the terminal device 20 .

[0108] The Web processing unit 102 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 102 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from a Web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0109] In this embodiment, the game server device 10 is described as having a function as an SNS server, but the game server device 10 may be formed as a server for the game and a server for the SNS separately. Also, the game processing of this embodiment may be performed in part or in whole by the game server device 10, or may be performed in part by the terminal device 20.

[0110] The game management unit 103 works in conjunction with the terminal device 20 to create a game space as a virtual space, and executes various game processes related to various competitive games such as battle games, action games, RPGs, sound games, or sports games in which multiple players compete against each other and fight or grapple, based on player operations input via the terminal device 20.

[0111] Furthermore, the game management unit 103 executes various game processes based on player instructions transmitted from the terminal device 20 .

[0112] In particular, the game management unit 103 controls the movement within the game space of the player character operated by each player and each action in the game in response to the player's operation input entered into the terminal device 20, while also executing the actions of other related characters and objects and various game processes.

[0113] Furthermore, for an option-setting player for whom a bonus acquisition option is set, the game management unit 103 allows various games to proceed based on the operation instructions of the option-setting player and bonus acquisition option information.

[0114] The game management unit 103 may execute various game processes for a single player character based on instructions from one player, or may execute various game processes for multiple player characters.

[0115] The player management unit 104 registers and manages items owned by the player and benefits acquired by the player as player-related information in the player information storage unit 146, and also manages the player character set by the player during the game or the deck on which the player character is set.

[0116] When a live game play is distributed, the bonus control unit 108 executes a bonus control process to grant a given bonus to a viewer (i.e., a player) who watches the game play status that is the subject of the live game play.

[0117] The timer management unit 109 has a timer function and is used to manage the progress of the game. In particular, the timer management unit 109 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 to output the current time and preset times to each unit. The timer management unit 109 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device.

[0118] The information providing unit 110 generates various game control information for causing the terminal device 20 to process the game, and provides the information to the corresponding terminal device 20 .

[0119] In addition, when a live game play is distributed, the information providing unit 110 provides the game live play distribution server device 30 with information generated based on the game control information, or game play information generated or used in the process of generating the game control information.

[0120] Gameplay information is available at (A1) Information on parameters that change as the game progresses for an individual player or player character, such as level and experience points (hereinafter referred to as "game variable parameters"); (A2) The presence or absence of indicators or states (hereinafter referred to as "game elements") relating to the game of the player or player character at a given time, such as the cleared stage, task, level, the currently executed stage, task, level, or the attributes of the player character, the number and type of items held, or the number of members belonging to the same group and the role (position) of the player, and information on the type of the game elements; (A3) Information regarding the player's game behavior (hereinafter referred to as "game behavior"), such as whether or not there are in-game purchases, options to acquire rewards such as a battle pass, whether or not a lottery event is held and the lottery results, or whether or not a mini-game is held and the results thereof (hereinafter also referred to as "game behavior information"); These include:

[0121] [3] Terminal device Next, the terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the terminal device 20 of this embodiment. The terminal device 20 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (units) of Fig. 2 are omitted.

[0122] The input unit 260 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the player's input information to the processing unit 200. The input unit 260 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 262 that detects the player's input information (input signal). The input unit 260 may be, for example, a lever, a button, a steering wheel, a microphone, a touch panel display, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0123] The storage unit 270 serves as a work area for the processing unit 200, the 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 memory unit 271 used as a work area, and an image buffer 272 in which the final display image, etc. are stored. Note that a configuration in which some of these components are omitted may also be used.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The processing unit 200 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 can store 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).

[0126] In this embodiment, the programs and game data for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment, which are stored in the information storage medium 180 or storage unit 140 of the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30, are received via a network, and the received programs and data are stored in the information storage medium 280. The programs and data received from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 may also be stored in the storage unit 270. Such cases of receiving programs and data and causing a network system to function are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0127] 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), etc. The sound output unit 292 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, etc. For example, the display unit 290 constitutes the display means of the present invention.

[0128] The communication unit 296 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other terminals, servers), and its functions can be realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc.

[0129] The processing unit 200 (processor) acquires information about the game (i.e., game control information) from the game server device 10 via the communication unit 296, and performs processing such as game processing, display control, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input information from the input unit 260 or a program, etc.

[0130] In addition, the processing unit 200 executes processing to allow a player to view the content of a specific game commentary using a specific game by a specific player, based on game viewing information acquired from the game commentary distribution server device 30 via the communication unit 296.

[0131] The processing unit 200 performs various processes using a main memory unit 271 in the memory unit 270 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 200 are the same as those of various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (Aggregate Integrated Circuit), and the like. This can be achieved using hardware such as a ray or a program.

[0132] The processing unit 200 includes a communication control unit 210, a web browser 211, a game processing unit 212, a display control unit 213, a drawing unit 220, and a sound processing unit 230. Note that some of these may be omitted.

[0133] The communication control unit 210 performs processing to transmit and receive data to and from each of the game server device 10 and the game live broadcasting server device 30. The communication control unit 210 also performs processing to store data received from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 in the storage unit 270, processing to analyze the received data, and other control processing related to the transmission and reception of data.

[0134] The communication control unit 210 may store and manage destination information (IP address, port number) of the server in the information storage medium 280. When receiving input information from the player to start communication, the communication control unit 210 may communicate with the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30.

[0135] In particular, the communication control unit 210 transmits player identification information and operation information to the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30, and performs processing to receive information about the game (player information, game card information, the player's web page, the game screen, etc.) and information about the game live play from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30.

[0136] The communication control unit 210 may transmit and receive data to and from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 at a predetermined cycle, or may transmit and receive data to and from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30 when input information is received from the input unit 260. In particular, the communication control unit 210 of this embodiment performs processing to receive game screens and game live play screens from the game server device 10 or the game live broadcasting server device 30.

[0137] The Web browser 211 is an application program for viewing Web pages (game screens and game live play screens), and downloads HTML files, image files, etc. from a Web server (game server device 10 or game live play distribution server device 30), analyzes the layout, and controls the display. The Web browser 211 also transmits data to the Web server (game server device 10 or game live play distribution server device 30) using input forms (links, buttons, text boxes, etc.).

[0138] The Web browser 211 of this embodiment can realize browser games or viewing of game commentary. For example, the Web browser 211 may execute a program written in JavaScript (registered trademark), FLASH, Java (registered trademark), or the like received from a Web server (game server device 10 or game commentary distribution server device 30).

[0139] The terminal device 20 can display information from a web server specified by a URL via the Internet using the web browser 211. For example, the terminal device 20 can display, using the web browser 211, a game screen (data such as HTML) or a game live play screen received from the game server device 10 or the game live play distribution server device 30.

[0140] The game processing unit 212 performs various game calculation processes, such as a process for starting a game when a game start condition is met, a process for executing a game, and a process for ending a game when a game end condition is met.

[0141] The game processing unit 212 may then perform processing to place and set various objects (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as player characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain) in the object space.

[0142] Here, the object space is a virtual space, and includes both two-dimensional space and three-dimensional space. Two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is placed, for example, using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z).

[0143] In addition, the game processing unit 212 controls the sending and receiving of various information at login, executes game processing based on the player's operation when the game is executed in real time in conjunction with the game server device 10, and executes game processing including replaying received automatic calculation data when the game is executed by automatic calculation.

[0144] Furthermore, the display control unit 213 performs processing for displaying on the display unit 290. For example, the display control unit 213 may use the web browser 211 for display.

[0145] The drawing unit 220 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 213. The image generated by the drawing unit 220 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

[0146] The sound processing unit 230 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 .

[0147] [4] Game live streaming server device Next, the game live distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the game live distribution server device 30 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the game live distribution server device 30 of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) of Fig. 4 are omitted.

[0148] The game commentary distribution server device 30 includes an input unit 320 for use in input from the administrator and others, a display unit 330 for displaying predetermined information, an information storage medium 380 in which predetermined information is stored, a communication unit 396 for communicating with the terminal device 20 and others, a processing unit 300 for executing processes mainly related to the distribution of game commentary play, and a memory unit 340 for storing various data mainly used when distributing game commentary play.

[0149] The input unit 320 is used by a system administrator or the like to input settings related to live game play and other necessary settings and data. For example, the input unit 320 in this embodiment is configured with a mouse, keyboard, and the like.

[0150] The display unit 330 displays an operation screen for the system administrator. For example, the display unit 330 in this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0151] The information storage medium 380 (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.

[0152] The communication unit 396 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.

[0153] The storage unit 340 serves as a work area for the processing unit 300, the communication unit 396, etc., and its functions are realized by RAM (VRAM), etc. The information stored in the storage unit 340 may be managed by a database.

[0154] In addition to the main memory 342, the memory unit 340 of this embodiment also includes: (A1) A game viewing information storage unit 344 that stores game viewing information to be distributed to a viewer's terminal device (hereinafter referred to as "viewer terminal device") 20 when each game is broadcast live; (A2) a viewer management information storage unit 346 for storing information for managing viewers and game commentary players, including information regarding benefits to be given to viewers and game commentary players (hereinafter referred to as "benefit management information"); and constitutes the storage means of the present invention.

[0155] The game viewing information is stored in association with a game commentary ID assigned to each game commentary play. Each game viewing information may be stored in association with game play information for executing the game used to generate the game viewing information (original information not processed for commentary) and commentary content information such as audio and images used for the game commentary transmitted from a player who is commenting on the game (hereinafter referred to as a "game commentary player").

[0156] The privilege management information is formed by table data that defines the viewer status and the game status identified by the game play information, in association with a privilege ID for identifying the privilege to be granted to the viewer, etc.

[0157] The processing unit 300 performs various processes using a main memory unit 342 in the memory unit 340 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 300 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) and ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), or by programs.

[0158] The processing unit 300 performs various processes of this embodiment based on programs (data) stored in the information storage medium 380. 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).

[0159] For example, the processing unit 300 (processor) controls the entire game commentary distribution server device 30 based on a program stored in an information storage medium, and performs various processes such as controlling the transfer of data between each unit. Furthermore, the processing unit 300 performs processes to provide various game commentary distribution services in response to requests from the terminal device 20.

[0160] Specifically, the processing unit 300 of this embodiment has at least a communication control unit 301, a Web processing unit 302, a game commentary distribution management unit 303, a viewer management unit 304, a timer management unit 309, and a distribution control unit 310.

[0161] For example, the game commentary distribution management unit 303 of this embodiment constitutes the management means, the bonus granting control means, and the storage control means of the present invention, and the viewer management unit 304 constitutes the viewer status detection means, the first detection means, the second detection means, and the notification control means of the present invention. Also, for example, the distribution control unit 310 of this embodiment constitutes the distribution control means of the present invention.

[0162] The communication control unit 301 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data via the network with the terminal device 20. That is, the game commentary distribution server device 30 performs various processes based on information received by the communication control unit 301 from the terminal device 20 and the like.

[0163] In particular, the communication control unit 301 of this embodiment performs processing to transmit a game commentary screen to the terminal device 20 of the player based on a request from the terminal device 20 of the player.

[0164] The communication control unit 301 also executes various processes for accepting instructions input by the player to the terminal device 20 .

[0165] The Web processing unit 302 functions as a Web server. For example, the Web processing unit 302 performs a process of transmitting data in response to a request from the Web browser 211 installed in the terminal device 20, and a process of receiving data transmitted by the Web browser 211 of the terminal device 20, via a communication protocol such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).

[0166] The game commentary distribution management unit 303 works in conjunction with the game server device 10 and the terminal device 20, and manages distribution of game commentary on games provided by the game server device 10 for each player who desires distribution.

[0167] The viewer management unit 304 manages the viewers who watch each game commentary for each game commentary that is distributed.

[0168] The timer management unit 309 has a timer function and is used to manage the distribution status of the game commentary. In particular, the timer management unit 109 works in conjunction with the game management unit 103 and outputs the current time and a preset time to each unit. The timer management unit 109 is also used to synchronize with each terminal device 20.

[0169] The distribution control unit 310 controls distribution of the game play commentary to provide game viewing information for allowing viewers to view the corresponding game commentary.

[0170] [5] Method of this embodiment [5.1] Overview Next, an overview of game commentary distribution control and management for controlling distribution based on game commentary according to this embodiment and managing the same will be described with reference to FIG.

[0171] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining game commentary distribution control management that controls and manages distribution based on game commentary in this embodiment.

[0172] The game live play distribution server device 30 of this embodiment is a server device that operates in conjunction with the game server device 10, the viewer's terminal device (hereinafter referred to as the "viewer terminal device") 20, and the game live play player's terminal device (hereinafter referred to as the "game live play player terminal device") 20, and performs game live play distribution management that manages the distribution of game live play of the game provided by the game server device 10.

[0173] That is, the game live streaming server device 30 of this embodiment executes game live streaming control management to distribute the execution status of the provided game executed by the game live player so that viewers can watch the provided game executed by the game live player.

[0174] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the game commentary distribution server device 30 (A1) performing a process for controlling distribution of a live game play (i.e., a distribution control process) that provides game viewing information for allowing viewers to view a game being played by a player; (A2) Manage information about a game that is the target of live game play distribution (hereinafter also referred to as a “game to be live-played”) based on the player’s operation as game play information (for example, obtain it from the game live-play player terminal device 20); (A3) A process for detecting the viewing status of viewers watching the game play-by-play (hereinafter referred to as "viewing status detection process") is executed, (A4) Based on the game play information of the game to be streamed live and the detected viewing status of the viewers who are watching the game to be streamed live, a control (hereinafter referred to as "control related to granting of privileges") is executed to grant privileges to the viewers to be used in the game as viewer privileges (hereinafter referred to as "control related to granting of privileges"). It has the following structure.

[0175] FIG. 5 shows an example of the flow of information when a viewer benefit is given to a viewer when a live game play is distributed and the viewer watches the live game play.

[0176] In particular, Figure 5 shows the relationship between Phase 1, which shows the flow of various information for generating and distributing game viewing information to viewers, Phase 2, which shows the flow of information for distributing game viewing information to viewers and detecting the viewing status of the viewers, Phase 3, which shows the flow of information when the game server device 10 acquires the viewer's new registration request for the game and game operation instructions after the bonus-granting related control process has been executed, and the distribution control of game viewing information and bonus-granting related control (including the granting of viewer bonuses).

[0177] The game commentary distribution server device 30 of this embodiment and the game commentary distribution system 1 including it can motivate viewers of game commentary to watch the game that is the subject of the game commentary, and can also make viewers interested in the gameplay of the game they are watching, encouraging them to play the game.

[0178] [5.2] Distribution control process including game viewing information generation process Next, a distribution control process including a game viewing information generation process executed by the game live distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0179] The distribution control unit 310, under the management of the game live distribution management unit 303, executes a distribution control process for the game live play to allow viewers to watch the game being played by the game live player (i.e., the provided game provided by the game server device 10).

[0180] In particular, the distribution control unit 310 executes a game viewing information generation process to generate game viewing information consisting of game images of the provided game that is the subject of the game commentary being distributed, game sounds including background music, sound effects, character voices, etc., and voices and images of the player distributing the game.

[0181] Then, the distribution control unit 310 executes a distribution control process for distributing the game viewing information generated by the game viewing information generation process to the terminal device (that is, the viewer terminal device) 20 of the corresponding viewer.

[0182] Specifically, under the control of the game live distribution management unit 303, the distribution control unit 310 receives, from the game server device 10 via the communication control unit 301, the game live distribution information based on the operation information of the game live distribution player. Obtain gameplay information for the provided game.

[0183] In addition, under the control of the game live streaming management unit 303, the distribution control unit 310 acquires live content information such as images and audio of a specific player from the terminal device 20 of the game live streaming player via the communication control unit 301.

[0184] Then, the distribution control unit 310 executes a game viewing information generation process for generating game viewing information based on the acquired game play information and live content information until the live game play ends.

[0185] For example, in the game viewing information generation process, the distribution control unit 310 divides one screen into two, generates an image for displaying a moving image of the provided game being played on one screen and a moving image of the upper body or face of the game live streaming player on the other screen, and mixes and edits the game sound of the provided game and the audio of the game live streaming player to generate game viewing information in a streaming format that can be displayed on the viewer terminal device 20 and that can simultaneously output the game sound of the provided game and the audio of the game live streaming player.

[0186] In addition, the distribution control unit 310 executes a distribution control process to distribute game viewing information generated in a predetermined format such as streaming format to one or more pre-registered viewer terminal devices 20, or to a viewer terminal device 20 that has made a viewing request during live game play.

[0187] [5.3] Viewer management, including viewing situation detection processing Next, viewer management including a viewing situation detection process executed by the game commentary distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0188] Under the management of the game live distribution management unit 303, the viewer management unit 304 manages the viewers who watch each live game play using a viewer ID for each live game play that is distributed.

[0189] In particular, when each viewer views a game play-by-play, the viewer management unit 304 registers the viewer ID of the viewer in association with the game play-by-play ID assigned to the game play-by-play.

[0190] For example, when the viewer management unit 304 receives a request to view a specific game play-by-play from the viewer terminal device 20 following a new login to a specified website or a login using an already registered account, the viewer management unit 304 assigns a new viewer ID or identifies the viewer ID from among the IDs already registered based on the login.

[0191] Then, the viewer management unit 304 associates the newly assigned viewer ID and the identified viewer ID with the game play-by-play ID, registers them in the viewer management information storage unit 346, and manages each viewer.

[0192] On the other hand, the viewer management unit 304 works in conjunction with the viewer terminal device 20 to execute a viewing situation detection process for detecting the viewing situation of each viewer for each live game play.

[0193] The viewer management unit 304 then registers the detected viewing situation in the viewer management information storage unit 346 in association with the corresponding viewer ID.

[0194] Specifically, while the viewer is watching a live game play, the viewer management unit 304 collects, as the viewing status, (B1) the viewer's viewing time for the game provided by the game server device 10 being distributed; (B2) Content of the game being watched by the viewer (the game stage in which the player is currently watching, the battle scene (battle scene, goal scene)), the viewing content showing the mini-game or lottery scene, (B3) The viewing environment, such as the terminal device and platform used by the viewer, (B4) The presence, type, and number of viewers' actions regarding the game viewing (hereinafter referred to as "viewer actions"), such as whether or not a fixed or non-fixed comment such as "like" has been provided (however, if the system allows these comments to be registered or recognized on the distribution side), (B5) The number of viewers viewing the game being distributed (the number of viewers at the current time, the number of viewers registered to watch, or the total number of viewers who have watched), and (B6) Viewer attributes (membership type, gender, generation), presence or absence of options (for example, bonus acquisition options), or viewer type such as whether or not there is a charge for viewing and the type based on the amount, Detects etc.

[0195] For example, when detecting viewing time as a viewing status, the viewer management unit 304 acquires from the viewer terminal device 20 the viewing start timing or the start timing of the game play-by-play based on the viewer's operation, and the viewing end timing or the end timing of the game play-by-play based on the viewer's operation, and calculates (i.e., detects) the viewing time based on each acquired timing.

[0196] Furthermore, for example, when the viewer management unit 304 detects viewing content as viewing status, it detects the viewing start time and viewing end time, and also detects and associates events that occurred between the viewing start time and viewing end time of the game play-by-play.

[0197] The bonus acquisition option is an option called a battle pass, which provides an option-set player who has the bonus acquisition option with a more advantageous effect in the game than a non-option-set player who does not have the option, even if the game actions, game processing, and results thereof are the same.

[0198] [5.4] Management of gameplay information Next, the management of game play information in the game commentary distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0199] For each game play that is distributed, the game live distribution management unit 303 manages information about the game that is the target of the game play distribution and is based on the player's operations, as game play information, by associating it with a game live ID.

[0200] In particular, in this embodiment, the game live streaming management unit 303 acquires game play information from the game server device 10, the terminal device 20 of the corresponding game live streaming player, or both, for each game live play, and registers the acquired game play information in the viewer management information storage unit 346 and manages it.

[0201] In addition, if the game play information specifies time information indicating the time during the game play, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers the game play information, including the time information, in the viewer management information storage unit 346.

[0202] In addition, the game play information of this embodiment includes: (A1) Information on parameters that change as the game progresses for an individual player or player character, such as level and experience points (hereinafter referred to as "game variable parameters"); (A2) Cleared stage, task, level, currently running stage, task, level, or player character attributes, number and type of items held, or items in the same group the number of members belonging to the group, the role (position) of the player, and the presence or absence of indicators or states (hereinafter referred to as "game elements") related to the game of the player or player character at a predetermined timing, and information on the type of the game elements; (A3) Information regarding the player's game behavior (hereinafter referred to as "game behavior"), such as whether or not there are in-game purchases, options to acquire rewards such as a battle pass, whether or not a lottery event is held and the lottery results, or whether or not a mini-game is held and the results thereof (hereinafter also referred to as "game behavior information"); These include:

[0203] [5.5] Control process related to reward granting Next, viewer management including a viewing situation detection process executed by the game commentary distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0204] (Basic principles of reward granting related control processing) The game live streaming management unit 303 executes a benefit granting-related control process for each live game play to be streamed and for each viewer, which executes a benefit granting-related control to grant a benefit to be used in the game to the viewer as a viewer benefit, based on the game play information and the detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game.

[0205] Specifically, the game live streaming management unit 303 refers to table data in which combinations of game play information and viewing status are associated with the reward ID of the viewer reward, and identifies the viewer reward (i.e., the reward ID) associated with the detected combination of game play information and viewing status.

[0206] Then, the game live distribution management unit 303 provides the game server device 10 with the benefit ID of the identified viewer benefit in association with the viewer ID so that the viewer benefit can be granted to the viewer who has logged in to the game server device 10.

[0207] In particular, the game commentary distribution management unit 303 works in conjunction with the game server device 10 to register a privilege ID associated with the viewer ID in the privilege information storage unit 148 in the game server device 10 as privilege information.

[0208] At this time, when granting a benefit to a player playing the provided game using a viewer ID, the game live distribution management unit 303 may also register a password (which may be automatically set or may be arbitrarily set by the viewer) to verify the player's identity as a viewer as benefit information.

[0209] When providing a provided game, the game server device 10 grants an item based on a bonus ID to a player who has a player ID that is the same as the viewer ID, or to a player who logs in using that viewer ID (or, if a password or the like is provided, to a player who has been authenticated).

[0210] (Viewer Benefit 1: Item) The game live distribution management unit 303 provides the player character used in the provided game with an item related to the game provided by the game server device 10 as a viewer benefit.

[0211] For example, items include characters such as player characters and equipment such as weapons that each character has, as well as in-game currency, life energy, passes (rights) that have predetermined effects, and the like.

[0212] (Viewer Benefit 2: Game Link) As a viewer benefit, the game commentary distribution management unit 303 may execute control to link the game progress between the game commentary game being distributed and the game being played by the viewer.

[0213] In other words, as a viewer benefit, the game live distribution management unit 303 may execute control such as allowing a viewer to start viewing a portion of a provided game that the viewer has already viewed in the playing state when playing the provided game themselves, or allowing a viewer to clear a difficult game part by watching a game played by an advanced player.

[0214] In this case, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers, in the game server device 10, a privilege ID that defines control information for performing the control, in association with the viewer ID.

[0215] For example, in this case, when a viewer plays the same game as the player who is playing the provided game that is the subject of the game play-by-play, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers in the game server device 10 a bonus ID that specifies control information for playing the game under the same conditions, such as when the game live player is playing the game and has completed the same task or stage, or when the viewer has the same player character or item.

[0216] (Viewer Benefit 3: Changes to the game content of the viewing portion) As a viewer benefit, the game live streaming management unit 303 may execute game content change control to change the content of the part of the game viewed by the viewer when executing the provided game that is the subject of the live streaming play viewed by the viewer.

[0217] In other words, the game live streaming management unit 303 may, as a viewer benefit, execute game content change control to change the difficulty level of the portion viewed by the viewer (hereinafter referred to as the "viewed portion") or the content of the game, such as changing items or gimmicks, in order to eliminate boredom with the provided game caused by viewing and increase interest in the game.

[0218] For example, when changing the difficulty level of the viewing portion, the game live streaming management unit 303 registers, as a viewer benefit, a benefit ID in the game server device 10, which specifies control information for controlling the difficulty level, such as increasing or decreasing the number of enemy characters on the stage of the viewing portion, or increasing or decreasing the level of the enemy characters.

[0219] Also, for example, when changing items or gimmicks in the viewed portion, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers, as a viewer benefit, a benefit ID that specifies control information for executing control to change the game elements in the viewed portion in the game server device 10.

[0220] In particular, when changing items or gimmicks in the viewing portion, the game live distribution management unit 303 may change the following game elements: (B1) Appearing items and acquired items, (B2) Enemy characters, and (B3) Objects that make up the game space, is used.

[0221] The game live streaming management unit 303 controls the game elements of the viewing portion by: (C1) Adding game elements, (C2) Changes to game elements, (C3) Adding game element actions, and (C4) Changes to the operation, operation timing, and appearance timing of game elements, A privilege ID in which control information for executing the above control is defined is registered in the game server device 10.

[0222] (Viewer Benefit 4: Skip Control) As a viewer benefit, the game live streaming management unit 303 may execute skip control to allow the viewer to skip the content of the game that the viewer viewed when executing the provided game that is the subject of the live streaming play that the viewer viewed.

[0223] For example, based on the viewer's instructions as a player, or when the game server device 10 detects that the player is a viewer, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers in the game server device 10 a bonus ID that specifies control information for executing skip control to skip the content of the game viewed by the viewer.

[0224] (Changes to viewer benefits based on the judgment process) The game live streaming management unit 303 executes a determination process to determine whether the viewing situation satisfies given conditions, and if it is determined that the viewing situation detected by the determination process satisfies the given conditions, it may execute control to change the viewer benefits to be granted.

[0225] In other words, in this case, the game live streaming management unit 303 determines whether or not viewer benefits are available and their relative merits depending on the viewing situation, and changes the viewer benefits based on this determination process in order to guide the game player or streamer to the parts they want viewers to watch and the viewing method they want them to watch.

[0226] Specifically, in this case, the game commentary distribution management unit 303: (D1) Watching for a certain period of time or more, (D2) Viewing specific game content, such as a specific game stage or battle scene, (D3) Viewing on a specific platform, (D4) The prescribed standard comment has been registered. (D5) The number of viewers has exceeded a certain number, and (D6) Being a viewer who has made a specific payment; When the above given conditions are met, the grade of the viewer privilege to be granted is changed.

[0227] In particular, the game live streaming management unit 303 of this embodiment may be modified, when given conditions are met, to provide an advantageous effect to the player, such as by increasing the grade of the viewer benefit to be granted, or may be modified to provide an adverse effect to the player, such as by lowering the grade of the viewer benefit.

[0228] [5.6] Variations Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0229] (Modification 1: Another Configuration Example of the Server Device) In the game live distribution system 1 of this embodiment, the game server device 10 and the game live distribution server device 30 are separate and independent from each other, but may be realized by a single server device having both functions.

[0230] (Variation 2: Introduction of consent processing) In this embodiment, when a viewer privilege is granted, the viewer to whom the viewer privilege is granted is The control unit 100 may also control the execution of a process for receiving consent from the user (hereinafter also referred to as "consent process").

[0231] In other words, in this case, the game live streaming management unit 303 executes a control related to the granting of a privilege, in which if it is decided to grant a viewer privilege to a viewer and an instruction is received from the viewer that the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer privilege, the game live streaming management unit 303 executes a control for granting the decided viewer privilege to the viewer.

[0232] For example, when granting a viewer benefit during a game play-by-play or after the play-by-play is completed and a benefit ID is registered in the game server device 10 in association with the viewer ID, the game live distribution management unit 303 inquires of the viewer terminal device 20 as to whether or not the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer benefit.

[0233] Then, when the game live distribution management unit 303 receives an instruction from the viewer indicating that the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer benefit, the game live distribution management unit 303 registers the benefit ID in the game server device 10 in association with the viewer ID.

[0234] In addition, the game live distribution management unit 303 may also control the execution of the consent process when a viewer accesses the game server device 10 using a viewer ID and starts a provided game, as when granting a viewer benefit.

[0235] For example, in this case, when the game live distribution management unit 303 registers a bonus ID in association with a viewer ID in the game server device 10, it executes an acceptance process when the viewer accesses the game server device 10 using the viewer ID and starts the provided game, and also registers information for executing control to grant the viewer bonus when the game server device 10 receives an instruction from the viewer that the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer bonus.

[0236] (Variation 3: Viewer Notification Control) In this embodiment, if the provided game that the viewer has viewed has not been played after the viewer benefit has been awarded to the viewer, notification control regarding the awarded viewer benefit may be executed.

[0237] Specifically, in this case, the game commentary distribution management unit 303: (A1) after granting a viewer benefit to the viewer, a game execution detection process is executed to detect whether the viewer is able to execute the provided game that the viewer has viewed; (A2) When the game execution detection process detects that the viewer is not playing the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that he or she watched, notification control is executed for the viewer regarding the viewer benefit granted to the viewer.

[0238] For example, if the game server device 10 detects that a game has not been played (no login) using the same ID as the viewer ID during the game play or during a certain period after the game play has been played and a bonus ID has been registered in the game server device 10 in association with the viewer ID, the game live distribution management unit 303 provides the terminal device 20 of the viewer who was granted the corresponding viewer bonus with information regarding the content of the granted viewer bonus and information regarding the offered game that can be used as a bonus.

[0239] The game execution detection process includes not only detecting that the viewer has logged in to the relevant provided game, but also that the viewer has downloaded the application for the relevant provided game and that the viewer has registered as a user for the service that provides the relevant provided game.

[0240] (Variation 4: Notification control and reward provision control for game commentary players and viewers) In this embodiment, when a viewer benefit is granted to a viewer, notification control may be performed to notify the game commentary player that the viewer benefit has been granted, or benefit provision control may be performed to provide the player with a given benefit as a game viewing information provider benefit.

[0241] When a viewer benefit is granted to a viewer, the game commentary distribution management unit 303 may notify the terminal device 20 of the game commentary player that the viewer benefit has been granted to the viewer.

[0242] Furthermore, when a viewer benefit is given to a viewer, the game live distribution management unit 303 may execute control to provide the player with a given benefit as a game viewing information provider benefit.

[0243] The game viewing information provider benefit may be, for example, a benefit related to the same game as that of the viewer, or a success fee (i.e., money) generated from an affiliate game or the like.

[0244] (Variation 5: Change in rewards from viewers of game commentary players) In this embodiment, the viewer benefit may be changed according to information about the game live distribution player who is playing the game that is the subject of the game live play.

[0245] Specifically, the game live streaming management unit 303 may change the viewer benefits or the game viewing information provider benefits depending on the information about the player who is playing the game providing the game live play, such as the number of subscribers to the channel for distributing the game viewing information of the player who is playing the game to be viewed, the type of player, and the total number of viewers of the game provided by the player to be viewed.

[0246] In addition, instead of the number of channel subscribers, the game live streaming management unit 303 uses the player's attributes (membership type, gender, generation, etc.), the type of game live streaming player, or the total number of viewers of the games provided by the game live streaming player as viewing targets.

[0247] (Variation 6: Notification control and reward provision control for game commentary players and viewers) In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a live game play is viewed in real time, but the distributed game viewing information may be stored in the game viewing information storage unit 344, and the stored game viewing information may be distributed to enable non-real-time viewing (hereinafter also referred to as "archive viewing").

[0248] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only can a viewer view either real-time viewing or archive viewing, but a viewer may also select either viewing method depending on the viewing timing.

[0249] Specifically, the game live streaming management unit 303: (B1) storing game viewing information of the provided game that is the subject of the game live play in a given storage location during the game live play; (B2) execute a viewing timing detection process to detect the viewing timing of the viewer; (B3) In the viewing timing detection process, when it is detected that the viewer is watching the game of the corresponding game play-by-play in real time based on the provided game viewing information, the viewer is Change the viewer rewards given when watching the game;

[0250] [6] Operation in this embodiment Next, the operation of game commentary distribution control management for controlling and managing distribution based on game commentary executed in the game commentary distribution server device 30 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0251] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the game commentary distribution control management that controls and manages distribution based on the game commentary executed in the game commentary distribution server device 30.

[0252] In this operation, it is assumed that the terminal device 20 of the game live streaming player is already running the game in conjunction with the game server device 10, and that the game server device 10 and the game live streaming server device 30 are connected and linked by a communication line.

[0253] In addition, in this operation, it is assumed that the terminal devices 20 that distribute game viewing information have already been registered (i.e., viewers who watch the game play-by-play have been registered in association with viewer IDs), and that communication lines are connected to each terminal device 20.

[0254] First, when the game live streaming management unit 303 receives an instruction to start live game play transmitted from the terminal device of the game live streaming player (i.e., the live streaming player terminal device) 20 via the communication control unit 101 in a game provided by the game server device 10 (step S101), the distribution control unit 310 starts a game viewing information generation process to generate game viewing information for viewers to view the game live play, and a distribution control process to distribute the generated game viewing information (step S102).

[0255] Specifically, in the processing of step S102, the game live streaming management unit 303 works in conjunction with the game server device 10 to start receiving game play information of a specific game based on the operation information of the game live streaming player from the game server device 10, and also starts receiving live content information from the terminal device 20 of the game live streaming player.

[0256] Then, the distribution control unit 310 generates game viewing information based on the received game play information and live content information until the live game play ends.

[0257] Furthermore, once the distribution control unit 310 starts distribution of the game viewing information, it continues to distribute the game viewing information to the terminal device 20 of the corresponding viewer until the live game play ends.

[0258] After the start of distribution of the game viewing information, if the distribution control unit 310 receives a distribution request for game viewing information from a terminal device 20 of a viewer who has not yet been registered for distribution, the distribution control unit 310 registers the terminal device 20 of the viewer as a distribution-enabled terminal device, and distributes the game viewing information from the time when the distribution request is received.

[0259] Next, the viewer management unit 304, in conjunction with the viewer terminal device 20 of each viewer, executes a viewer status detection process for detecting the viewer status of each viewer (step S103).

[0260] Next, the game live streaming management unit 303 identifies the benefits to be granted to each viewer based on the received game play information and the viewing status detected by the viewing status detection process of each viewer, based on the benefit management information stored in the viewer management information storage unit 346 (step S104).

[0261] Finally, when each viewer is identified as the viewer and logs in to the game server device 10, the game live distribution management unit 303 executes a control process related to granting of a benefit to register, in the game server device 10, viewer benefit information for each viewer, in which the viewer ID is associated with the benefit ID of the benefit to be granted to the viewer identified by the viewer ID, in order to grant the corresponding benefit (step S105), and then terminates this operation.

[0262] The game live streaming management unit 303 continues streaming the game live play until it receives an instruction to end streaming control from the game live player. However, if the game live streaming management unit 303 receives an instruction to end viewing from a viewer while streaming the game live play, it ends the streaming only for that viewer.

[0263] [7] 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.

[0264] In this embodiment, each game may be provided to the terminal device 20 by one game server device 10, or a server system may be constructed by linking a plurality of game server devices 10, and each game may be provided to the terminal device.

[0265] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game provided by the game server device 10 is executed by the terminal device 20, but with the exception of operation 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 game server device 10, and the terminal device 20 may realize the above game by executing operation input and image display by streaming.

[0266] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game server device 10 may be realized by a single game device having the functions of the game server device 10, i.e., a device (standalone) that operates independently without relying on other devices such as a server device, in which case multiple input terminal devices are sufficient.

[0267] A plurality of such game terminal devices may be connected by wire or wirelessly, and one game device may function as the game server device 10, thereby realizing the game server device.

[0268] In addition, in this embodiment, the game live streaming system of the present invention is applied to a game server device 10 that operates in conjunction with a terminal device 20 via a network, but it can also be applied to a tablet-type information terminal device, a personal computer, or a game device installed in an amusement park.

[0269] 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.

[0270] 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]

[0271] 1: Game live streaming system 10: Game server device 20: Terminal device 30: Game live streaming server device 100: Processing section 101: Communication control unit 102: Web processing unit 103: Game Management Department 104: Player management unit 108: Benefit control unit 109: Timer management unit 110: Information provision department 120: Input section 130: Display section 140: Storage section 142: Main memory 144: Game data storage unit 146: Player information storage unit 148: Benefit information storage unit 180: Information storage medium 196: Communications Department 200: Processing section 210: Communication control unit 211: Web browser 212: Game processing section 213: Display control unit 220: Drawing section 230: Sound processing unit 260: Input section 262:Detection unit 270: Storage section 271: Main memory 272: Image buffer 280: Information storage medium 290:Display section 292: Sound output unit 296: Communications Department 300: Processing section 301: Communication control section 302: Web processing section 303: Game Live Streaming Management Department 304: Viewer Management Department 309: Timer management unit 310: Distribution control section 320: Input section 330: Display section 340: Storage section 342: Main memory 344: Game viewing information storage unit 346: Viewer management information storage unit 380: Information storage medium 396: Communications Department

Claims

1. A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; Equipped with The benefit granting control means A game play-by-play distribution management system characterized in that, as a viewer benefit, when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play that he or she has viewed, control is executed to change the difficulty level of the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play of the part that the viewer has viewed, as game content change control to change the content of the part of the game that the viewer has viewed.

2. A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; The game that is the target of the live game play distribution is a game that is based on the operation of the player. management means for managing information relating to the game based on the information as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; Equipped with The benefit granting control means A game live play distribution management system characterized in that, when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the live play distribution play that he or she has viewed, control to change the game elements of the portion that the viewer has viewed is executed as game content change control to change the content of the portion of the game that the viewer has viewed.

3. A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; Equipped with The benefit granting control means A game play-by-play distribution management system characterized in that, as a viewer benefit provided, when the viewer plays a game identical to the game being distributed and viewed, (a) control is exercised to progress the same game in a state in which the game parts up to the viewing part already viewed by the viewer have been completed, or (b) control is exercised to progress the same game in a state in which the game parts already viewed by the viewer have been completed.

4. A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; Equipped with The benefit granting control means As a viewer benefit, the game live play distribution management system is characterized in that when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the live play distribution play that he or she has viewed, skip control is executed to cause the viewer to skip the game progress in the game part that he or she has viewed.

5. A game play distribution management system that manages distribution of a game play that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for controlling distribution of a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer who is watching the game; a storage control means for storing game viewing information of the game that is the subject of the game live play in a storage means during the game live play; a second detection means for executing a viewing timing detection process for detecting a viewing timing of the viewer; Equipped with The benefit granting control means A game live play distribution management system characterized in that, in the viewing timing detection process, when it is detected that the viewer is watching the game that is the subject of the corresponding game live play in real time based on the provided game viewing information, the bonus to be granted when the viewer is watching the game based on the game viewing information stored in the storage means is changed.

6. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A game play-by-play distribution management system, wherein the viewing status includes at least one of the viewing time for the game being viewed by the viewer, the viewing content of the game being viewed by the viewer, the viewing environment of the viewer, the number of viewers viewing the distributed game, and the type of viewer.

7. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The benefit granting control means A game play distribution management system that executes control to change the viewer benefits to be granted when it is determined that the detected viewing situation satisfies given conditions.

8. A game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A game play-by-play distribution management system, wherein the viewer benefit to be granted is an item related to the game.

9. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The benefit granting control means As the benefit granting related control, when it is determined that the viewer benefit should be granted to the viewer and an instruction from the viewer that the viewer agrees to the granting of the viewer benefit is received, a control for granting the determined viewer benefit to the viewer is executed. Live play streaming management system.

10. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a first detection means for executing a game execution detection process for detecting whether or not the game being viewed by the viewer is being executed; a notification control means for controlling a notification to the viewer regarding a viewer benefit granted to the viewer when it is detected by the game execution detection process that the viewer is not playing the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play that the viewer has watched; A game play streaming management system that also includes:

11. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The benefit granting control means A game live play distribution management system that, when a viewer benefit is granted to the viewer, performs notification control to notify a player playing the game that is the subject of the game live play that the viewer to whom the viewer benefit has been granted has been granted a viewer benefit, or performs benefit provision control to provide the player with a given benefit as a game viewing information provider benefit.

12. In the game play distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The benefit granting control means A game play-by-play distribution management system that changes the benefit according to information about a player who plays the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play.

13. A program for managing live game play distribution that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; and function as a computer. The benefit granting control means As a viewer benefit, when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play that he or she has viewed, the program executes control to change the difficulty level of the game that is the subject of the game play-by-play of the part that the viewer has viewed as game content change control to change the content of the part of the game that the viewer has viewed.

14. A program for managing live game play distribution that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; and function as a computer. The benefit granting control means A program characterized by executing control to change the game elements of the portion viewed by the viewer when the viewer plays the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that the viewer viewed, as game content change control to change the content of the portion of the game that the viewer viewed.

15. A program for managing live game play distribution that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; and function as a computer. The benefit granting control means A program characterized in that, as the viewer benefit granted, when the viewer plays a game identical to the distributed game that the viewer has viewed, (a) control is performed to progress the same game in a state where the game part up to the viewing part already viewed by the viewer has been executed, or (b) control is performed to progress the same game in a state where the game part that is the same as the game part that the viewer has already cleared has been cleared.

16. A program for managing live game play distribution that distributes a game execution status of a player so that viewers can view the game executed by the player, comprising: a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer who is viewing the game play-by-play; and a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; and function as a computer. The benefit granting control means As a viewer benefit, the program executes skip control to cause the viewer to skip the game progress in the game part that the viewer has viewed when playing the game that is the subject of the live broadcast play that the viewer has viewed.

17. In order to allow viewers to watch the game played by the player, A program for managing the distribution of live game play that distributes the execution status of a game, a distribution control means for performing a live game play that provides game viewing information for allowing the viewers to view the game being played by the player; a management means for managing information about the game that is the target of the live game play distribution and that is based on the player's operation as game play information; a viewing status detection means for detecting a viewing status of the viewer viewing the live play of the game; a reward-granting control means for executing, as a reward-granting-related control, control for granting a reward to be used in the game as a viewer reward to the viewer, based on game play information of the game being distributed based on the live play of the game and a detected viewing status of the viewer watching the game; a storage control means for storing game viewing information of the game that is the subject of the game live play in a storage means during the game live play; and a second detection means for executing a viewing timing detection process for detecting a viewing timing of the viewer; and function as a computer. The benefit granting control means A program characterized in that, in the viewing timing detection process, when it is detected that the viewer is watching the game that is the subject of the corresponding live game play in real time based on the provided game viewing information, the program changes the benefit to be granted when the viewer is watching the game based on the game viewing information stored in the storage means.

Images