Computer programs and computer devices

Abstract

To provide a computer program which allows not uniform but a variety of game information to be displayed correspondingly to a game screen.SOLUTION: The computer program causes one or more terminal devices to execute: a display step of displaying a game screen about a predetermined game on the basis of an operation by a first user; a setting step of setting first setting information selected by the first user out of situation information about a game; a reception step of receiving second setting information selected by a second user out of the situation information; and a selection step of selecting game information based on selection information being at least a part of the first setting information and / or at least a part of the second setting information, on the basis of an operation by the first user. The display step displays the game information selected by the selection step, with the game screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer program and a computer device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for distributing live videos of events such as e-sports has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this conventional technique, a game screen is displayed on a large monitor installed at the venue of an e-sports tournament, and game information added by a commentator (for example, explanations of the techniques performed by characters, the health values of characters, the对战history of opponents, etc.) is also displayed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, the game information displayed together with the game screen is not necessarily information that all viewers want to know.

[0006] In addition, viewers who enjoy e-sports tournaments at locations other than the venue where the e-sports tournament is held, such as their homes, have a desire to watch the live video while referring to the information they want to know.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer program that can make the game information displayed in accordance with the game screen into various types of information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The first disclosure is, A computer program that causes one or more terminal devices to perform the following steps: In the output step, the game screen for a given game is output based on the first user's actions. In the setup step, the first setting information selected by the first user from the situation information related to the game is set. In the receiving step, the second setting information selected by the second user from the status information is received. In the selection step, selection information, which is at least a portion of the first configuration information and / or at least a portion of the second configuration information, is selected based on the operation of the first user. In the output step, game information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, is output along with the game screen. It is a computer program.

[0009] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, In the output step, information based on at least one selected mandatory setting information from the second setting information is output in place of the game information, or together with at least a part of the game information, based on instructions from the second user. It is possible.

[0010] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, The aforementioned mandatory setting information is information that is automatically selected according to the progress of the game. It is possible.

[0011] Furthermore, in the first disclosure, A computer program that causes the terminal device operated by the second user to perform the next step, In the aggregation step, aggregated information relating to the game information output by the terminal device operated by the first user is generated. In the prompt step, in the terminal device operated by the second user, the aggregated information is presented to the second user. This is possible.

[0012] The second disclosure is a storage unit that stores the computer program of the first disclosure; a control unit that executes the computer program; and is a computer device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a computer program that can make game information displayed according to a game screen into various types of information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a game information output system in the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a game server in the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a distribution server in the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal device in the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a live video and game information displayed on a user terminal device in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing distribution processing in the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] [Embodiment] The game information output system 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 1, the game information output system 1 comprises a game server 2, a game device 3, a distribution server 4, and a user terminal device 5. Note that the game information output system 1 and the processing procedure described later are examples, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these. The game information output system 1 and the processing procedure can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of this disclosure.

[0016] <Explanation of fighting games> Game server 2 provides a predetermined game that runs on multiple game devices 3. This game is a competitive fighting game in which characters controlled by opposing players engage in combat in a virtual space.

[0017] In this embodiment, the opponent is a user participating in an esports tournament.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fighting game is a game in which multiple players each control a character and have their character perform special moves, and the first player to reduce the opponent's character's health value to 0 (zero) is determined as the winner.

[0019] The fighting game according to this embodiment proceeds in a versus mode in which two players compete against each other using characters they control. This versus mode is an online match between two game consoles 3 conducted via a game server 2.

[0020] Game server 2 and each game device 3 operated by each player are connected via a network line (not shown), and can communicate data with each other through this network line.

[0021] Each game device 3 is loaded with a game program for a fighting game with online multiplayer functionality, and the game data used by that game program.

[0022] In each game device 3, the game program is executed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc.

[0023] The controller (not shown) operated by the opponent is an operating component for inputting user operation signals to the main game device 3. The controller is equipped with, for example, a directional pad, a joystick, A button, B button, X button, Y button, R1 button, R2 button, L1 button, and L2 button.

[0024] The directional pad and joystick are control elements used in fighting games to move the characters controlled by the opposing players within the game space.

[0025] Additionally, the A, B, X, Y, R1, R2, L1, and L2 buttons are control elements used to make the character perform actions such as attacks.

[0026] When players use various menu screens to perform preparatory tasks before playing a fighting game, such as viewing character status information, the directional pad and joystick primarily function as control elements for selecting items displayed on the menu screen.

[0027] Furthermore, the A, B, X, Y, R1, R2, L1, and L2 buttons are control elements that allow the opponent to confirm their selection and perform the corresponding action.

[0028] Operation signals from each controller are transmitted from each game device 3 to the game server 2.

[0029] Based on the control signals received by game server 2, game server 2 controls the game progress and transmits the results to each game device 3. This enables the execution of a synchronized fighting game between the two game devices 3.

[0030] <Explanation of the process for streaming game commentary videos> The distribution server 4 distributes and receives game videos for games running on the game server 2 and each game device 3 to the user terminal device 5.

[0031] In the following, a user who streams live commentary videos (game screen, game audio, and the streamer's voice) to other users via the streaming server 4 will be referred to as a "streamer (an example of a second user)," and a user who watches live commentary videos streamed by a streamer via the streaming server 4 will be referred to as a "viewer (an example of a first user)." Furthermore, the term "user" alone can refer to both streamers and viewers.

[0032] Furthermore, the device operated by the viewer is called "User Terminal Device 5A," the device operated by the commentator is called "User Terminal Device 5B," and when referring to both, it is simply called "User Terminal Device 5."

[0033] The distribution server 4 receives game screen data, game audio data, and status information related to the game from the game server 2.

[0034] Game situation information includes various pieces of information about the game. This includes information about the gameplay of opponents, as well as information based on their gameplay history.

[0035] Game-related status information includes, for example, "key configuration" showing the button assignments set by the opponent (e.g., assigning "X button" to "heavy punch" and "R1 button" to "light punch"), "status" showing the character's health value, "combo count" showing the number of times the opponent's moves have been successfully executed consecutively, "operation log" showing the history of the opponent's input signals (e.g., up, down, A, Y, R1), "guard rate" showing the success rate of guarding against the opponent's character's attacks, "usage rate" of the opponent's character, "win rate" showing the opponent's win rate for the day, and "past match history" between the two players.

[0036] Furthermore, the distribution server 4 receives and manages the streamer's selected streamer setting information (an example of second setting information) from the user terminal device 5B, based on the game's status information.

[0037] Furthermore, the distribution server 4 acquires the commentator's voice based on the commentator's actions on the user terminal device 5B.

[0038] This allows the streamer to deliver not only their commentary video, which consists of their own voice, game screen, and game audio, but also streamer setting information to viewers. In other words, streamer setting information is information that the streamer has set up, for example, with the expectation that viewers will understand or enjoy the game video more deeply. This information is transmitted from the distribution server 4 to the viewer's user terminal device 5A.

[0039] Furthermore, the distribution server 4 receives and manages viewer setting information (an example of first setting information) selected by the viewer from among the status information related to the game, from the user terminal device 5A. In other words, viewer setting information can be said to be information set by the viewer according to their viewing purpose or preferences.

[0040] In this embodiment, viewers can output their own selected viewer settings information to their user terminal device 5A along with the live video, either in place of or in addition to the commentator settings information selected by the commentator.

[0041] In other words, the viewers • Some (or all) of the viewer settings information, and the game screen, • Some (or all) of the streamer's settings information, and the game screen, • Some (or all) of the viewer settings information, some (or all) of the commentator settings information, and the game screen, From among these, game information (either the selected information itself or information customized from the selected information) based on the selection information chosen by the viewer (for example, game-related situation information such as key configuration and the number of combos of opponents) can be output to the user terminal device 5A.

[0042] Here, the selected information is the information that the viewer has chosen from at least a portion of the viewer settings information and / or at least a portion of the commentator settings information to be actually output to the user terminal device 5A. As a result, the game information displayed along with the game screen is less likely to be uniform or unilaterally set, unlike in conventional technology, and can be flexibly adapted to the commentator's intentions or the viewer's needs. Therefore, many viewers can obtain the information they want from the commentary video or gain a deeper understanding of the game video.

[0043] <Hardware Configuration> The hardware and functional configurations of the game server 2, the distribution server 4, and the user terminal device 5 will be described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0044] <Hardware configuration of game server 2> As shown in Figure 2, the game server 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a network interface 22.

[0045] The storage unit 21 and the network interface 22 are connected to the control unit 20 of the game server 2 via the bus 29.

[0046] The control unit 20 consists of a CPU, memory, various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the game server 2. Further details will be described later.

[0047] The memory unit 21 mainly consists of HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0048] The memory unit 21 stores, for example, the computer program of this disclosure, a distribution program and data for distributing a game program (game application) for executing a game played on the game device 3, and opponent data (such as a game ID for identifying the opponent, the character used by the opponent, the game progress, and situation information related to the game).

[0049] The network interface 22 is connected to a communication network to send and receive data between the game server 2 and the game device 3.

[0050] <Description of the functions of the control unit 20 of game server 2> The control unit 20 of the game server 2 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing a computer program.

[0051] <Explanation of Authentication Steps> The control unit 20 performs the authentication step by functioning as an authentication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as an authentication means.

[0052] The control unit 20 authenticates the user account using the opponent's game ID transmitted from the game device 3.

[0053] <Explanation of the steps> The control unit 20 executes the progression steps by functioning as a game progress management means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as a game progress management means.

[0054] The control unit 20 advances the fighting game based on the actions of the opponents.

[0055] Specifically, the control unit 20 receives operation signals from the game device 3 operated by each player and proceeds with the fighting game. As a result, the control unit 20 can, for example, move characters in the virtual game space and manage the characters' health values.

[0056] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 20 executes communication steps by functioning as a communication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 20 as a communication means.

[0057] The control unit 20 transmits and receives the opponent's game ID, operation signals from each opponent's game device 3, and other information to and from the game device 3.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 20 transmits game screen data, game audio data, and game status information to the distribution server 4.

[0059] <Hardware configuration of game device 3> The game device 3, although not shown in the diagram, includes a control unit, a storage unit, a network interface, an audio processing unit, a graphics processing unit, and an operation unit.

[0060] A speaker is connected to the audio processing unit of game device 3, an LCD monitor is connected to the graphics processing unit, and a controller is connected to the control unit.

[0061] <Description of the functions of the control unit of game device 3> The control unit of the game device 3 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing a computer program.

[0062] <Explanation of execution steps> The control unit executes execution steps by functioning as an execution means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit as an execution means.

[0063] The control unit receives input from each player. This allows characters to move in the virtual game space and their health values ​​to change.

[0064] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit executes communication steps by functioning as a communication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit as a communication means.

[0065] The control unit transmits and receives the opponent's game ID, operation signals from each opponent's game device 3, etc., to and from the game server 2.

[0066] <Hardware configuration of distribution server 4> As shown in Figure 3, the distribution server 4 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, and a network interface 42.

[0067] The storage unit 41 and the network interface 42 are connected to the control unit 40 of the distribution server 4 via the bus 49.

[0068] The control unit 40 consists of a CPU, memory, various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the distribution server 4. Further details will be described later.

[0069] The memory unit 41 mainly consists of HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0070] The storage unit 41 stores, for example, video applications and data for providing services on the user terminal device 5, as well as user data (such as user IDs for identifying users like viewers and commentators, and the user's credit card information).

[0071] The network interface 42 is connected to a communication network in order to send and receive data with the game server 2 or with the user terminal device 5.

[0072] <Description of the functions of the control unit 40 of the distribution server 4> The control unit 40 of the distribution server 4 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing a computer program.

[0073] <Explanation of Authentication Steps> The control unit 40 performs the authentication step by functioning as an authentication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as an authentication means.

[0074] The control unit 40 authenticates the user account using the user ID transmitted from the user terminal device 5.

[0075] When the user terminal device 5 communicates with the distribution server 4 via the communication network, the user ID is transmitted from the user terminal device 5 to the distribution server 4. The transmitted user ID is then authenticated by the distribution server 4. This enables communication between the distribution server 4 and the user terminal device 5.

[0076] <Explanation of display steps> The control unit 40 executes the display step by functioning as a display means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a display means.

[0077] The control unit 40 generates information for displaying the live commentary video, commentator settings, viewer settings, etc., on the user terminal device 5. By receiving this information, viewers can watch the live commentary video as shown in Figure 5 on their user terminal device 5A.

[0078] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 40 executes the communication step by functioning as a communication means. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 40 as a communication means.

[0079] The control unit 40 receives game screen data, game audio data, game status information, and other information from the game server 2.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 40 transmits and receives the streamer's user ID, streamer settings information, game screen data, game audio data, streamer's audio data, and text data based on the streamer's audio data to and from the streamer's user terminal device 5B.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 40 transmits and receives the viewer's user ID, live commentary video, commentator settings information, viewer settings information, commentator's audio data, etc., to and from the viewer's user terminal device 5A.

[0082] <Hardware configuration of user terminal device 5> As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal device 5 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, which has a built-in speaker 530, LCD screen 540, and touchpad 550. Live video streamed from the distribution server 4 is displayed on this user terminal device 5.

[0083] Furthermore, the user terminal device 5 can communicate data with the distribution server 4 via a communication network.

[0084] The user terminal device 5 comprises a control unit 50, a storage unit 51, a network interface 52, an audio processing unit 53, a graphics processing unit 54, and an operation unit 55.

[0085] The memory unit 51, network interface 52, audio processing unit 53, graphics processing unit 54, and operation unit 55 are connected to the control unit 50 via the bus 59.

[0086] The control unit 50 consists of a CPU, memory, various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the user terminal device 5.

[0087] The storage unit 51 mainly consists of an HDD, RAM, ROM, SSD, etc. For example, video applications and user IDs are stored in the storage unit 51.

[0088] The network interface 52 is connected to a communication network to send and receive data between the user terminal device 5 and the distribution server 4. This allows video applications, game screen data, game audio data, and other files to be downloaded to the user terminal device 5.

[0089] The audio processing unit 53 plays and synthesizes digital game audio according to instructions from the control unit 50. A speaker 530 is also connected to the audio processing unit 53. Game audio and the commentator's voice are output from the speaker 530.

[0090] The graphics processing unit 54 outputs the game screen, commentator settings information and / or viewer settings information, text data based on the commentator's voice data, etc., to the LCD screen 540 in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 50.

[0091] The operation unit 55 receives operation signals from the user. In this embodiment, the operation unit 55 receives operation signals from the user via a touchpad 550, which is an input position detection device. Based on this function, the user can set commentator settings, viewer settings, select selection information, and so on.

[0092] In this process of setting commentator settings, for example, from the editing / menu screen of the commentary video, each of the situational information items that can serve as candidate commentator certification information is displayed as a selectable list. The commentator then selects the desired information from this list and presses the set button, thereby setting the selected situational information as the commentator setting information.

[0093] In setting viewer settings, the viewer can select from a list of potential viewer recognition information from the editing / menu screen or settings screen of the video they are viewing. The viewer can then select their desired information and press the set button to set the selected information as viewer settings. Viewer settings can be set in advance when viewing various game screens, or they can be set each time they view a game screen.

[0094] <Description of the functions of the control unit 50 of the user terminal device 5> The control unit 50 functions as the following means and performs the following steps by executing the video application.

[0095] <Explanation of setup steps> The control unit 50 functions as a setting means according to the instructions of the video application, thereby executing the setting step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 50 as a setting means.

[0096] The control unit 50 sets commentator setting information selected by the commentator from the situation information related to the battle game. In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the commentator setting information selected includes the key configuration of each player, the status of each character, the usage rate of each player's character, each player's win rate for the day, the number of times each player's attacks were guarded by the opponent, and the number of times each player guarded the opponent's attacks.

[0097] The control unit 50 sets viewer setting information selected by the viewer from the status information related to the battle game. In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the viewer setting information selected includes the number of combos performed by the opponents, the opponents' operation logs, and past battle history.

[0098] <Explanation of delivery steps> The control unit 50 functions as a distribution means according to the instructions of the video application, thereby executing the distribution step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 50 as a distribution means.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit 50 performs processing to send the live commentary video, commentator settings information, text data based on the commentator's voice data, etc., to the distribution server 4 based on the commentator's operation (distribution request).

[0100] <Explanation of communication steps> The control unit 50 functions as a communication means according to instructions from the video application, thereby executing communication steps. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 50 as a communication means.

[0101] The control unit 50 receives game screen data, game audio data, and game status information from the distribution server 4 based on the commentator's operations.

[0102] Based on the streamer's operation (distribution request), the control unit 50 sends the streamer's user ID, the streamer's video, and the streamer's selected streamer settings information from among the game status information to the distribution server 4.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 50 receives live commentary videos, commentator settings information, and other data from the distribution server 4 based on the viewer's operation (viewing request).

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 50 transmits, for example, the viewer's user ID, viewer settings information, viewing request, selection information, etc., to the distribution server 4 based on the viewer's actions.

[0105] <Explanation of the selection steps> The control unit 50 functions as a selection means according to the instructions of the video application, thereby executing the selection step. The following describes the processes performed by the control unit 50 as a selection means.

[0106] The control unit 50 selects game information based on selection information, which is at least a portion of the viewer setting information and / or at least a portion of the commentator setting information, based on the viewer's actions.

[0107] In the example in Figure 5, the viewer has selected "Key Configuration" from the commentator settings, and has selected "Number of combos by the opponent," "Action log of opponent B," and "Past match history" from the viewer settings.

[0108] In this embodiment, "key configuration," "number of combos by opponents," and "past match history" are both selection information and game information. On the other hand, "opponent B's operation log" is game information, but it is a part of the selection information "opponent A and B's operation logs." Therefore, "opponent B's operation log" as game information is a selection of a part of the selection information "opponent A and B's operation logs."

[0109] <Description of output steps> The control unit 50 functions as an output means according to the instructions of the video application, thereby executing the output step. The following describes the processing performed by the control unit 50 as an output means.

[0110] The control unit 50 receives a viewing request based on the viewer's operation, acquires the necessary information, and outputs the live commentary video and game information to the user terminal device 5A. In the following explanation, "display on the LCD screen 540" and "sound output to the speaker 530" will be collectively referred to as "output."

[0111] In the example in Figure 5, the commentary video (specifically the game screen within the commentary video) is displayed in video display frame F1.

[0112] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 5, the game information display frame F2, which displays game information, shows four frames: "Key Configuration," "Opponent's Combo Count," "Opponent B's Operation Log," and "Past Match History."

[0113] Furthermore, the commentator's voice is output from speaker 530 of the user terminal device 5A of the viewing user.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the commentator's audio data is converted into text data, and that text data is displayed in text box F3.

[0115] <Explanation of distribution process> The distribution process of this disclosure will be explained below with reference to Figure 6.

[0116] First, the control unit 40 of the distribution server 4 receives game screen data, game audio data, game status information such as the opponent's key configuration, etc. from the game server 2 (step S1).

[0117] Next, the control unit 50 of the commentator's user terminal device 5B sets the commentator's settings information based on the commentator's operation (step S2).

[0118] Next, the control unit 50 of the commentator's user terminal device 5B distributes the commentary video, text data based on the commentator's voice data, and commentator settings information to the viewer's user terminal device 5A via the distribution server 4 (Step 3).

[0119] Next, the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A determines whether the viewer has indicated their intention to set the game information themselves (step S4). This indication is determined, for example, by whether the viewer has pressed the "Set Game Information" button via the video editing / menu screen or settings screen.

[0120] If it is determined that no opinion has been expressed by the viewer (S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer has made an expression of intent (S4: YES), the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A determines whether or not the viewer setting information setting operation has been performed based on the viewer's operation (step S5).

[0122] Whether or not this setting operation has been performed is determined by whether or not the viewer actually performed the operation to set viewer settings information via, for example, the editing / menu screen or settings screen of the video being viewed (more specifically, whether or not the viewer selected the desired information and pressed the setting button). Alternatively, for example, if viewer settings information has already been set, a pop-up message asking "Do you want to apply the settings you have already made?" may be displayed, and if the viewer selects "Yes" to this message, it may be determined that the setting operation has been performed.

[0123] If it is determined that the viewer settings information has not been configured (S5:NO), the process proceeds to step S7. This applies, for example, if the intention to configure game information was incorrectly indicated in step S4.

[0124] On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer setting information has been set (S5: YES), the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A sets the viewer setting information (step S6). In other words, the viewer setting information selected by the viewer becomes active.

[0125] Next, the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A sets game information (at least a portion of the viewer settings information and / or at least a portion of the commentator settings information) based on the selection information selected by the viewer (step S7). For example, if the viewer does not change any settings (i.e., if the viewer settings information is not set in step S6), the default commentator settings information is set as the selection information and game information.

[0126] If a viewer changes their settings (i.e., if viewer settings information is configured in step S6), the changed parts will be replaced by the default streamer settings information, and the viewer settings information will be set as the selection information and game information.

[0127] Next, the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A determines, based on the viewer's operation, whether or not a viewing request has been made to output a live commentary video or the like (step S8). This viewing request may include, for example, the viewer pressing the start viewing button.

[0128] If it is determined that no viewing request has been made (S8: NO), the process repeats step S8.

[0129] If it is determined that a viewing request has been made (S8: YES), the control unit 50 of the viewer's user terminal device 5A outputs the live commentary video, text data based on the commentator's voice data, and game information from the user terminal device 5A (step S9). In other words, when the start viewing button is pressed, the live commentary video reflecting the selection information and game information set in step S7 is announced. The distribution process for this disclosure is carried out by following the steps described above.

[0130] In summary, this disclosure is: A computer program that causes user terminal devices 5, including the commentator's user terminal device 5B and the viewer's user terminal device 5A, to perform the following steps: In the output step, a live commentary video of a fighting game is output to the viewer's user terminal device 5A based on the viewer's input. In the setup step, the viewer selects viewer settings information from among the situational information related to the fighting game (e.g., key configuration, number of combos performed by the opponent) and sets the viewer settings information. In the receiving step, the commentator's selected commentator settings information is received from the situational information related to the fighting game. In the selection step, selection information, which is at least a portion of the viewer settings information and / or at least a portion of the commentator settings information, is selected based on the viewer's actions. In the output step, game information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, is output to the viewer's user terminal device 5A along with the live commentary video. It is a computer program.

[0131] <Effects> According to the computer program of this embodiment, the game information displayed in accordance with the game screen can be a wide variety of information.

[0132] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the output step, setting step, etc., are described as being performed by the user terminal device alone, but this disclosure is not limited to this. These steps may be performed by the distribution server alone, or by the cooperation of the distribution server and the user terminal device.

[0133] The fighting game is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be a fighting game in which a winner and loser are determined by characters (player characters and non-player characters) controlled by the user and the computer (for example, the CPU in a game device operated by the user) respectively performing techniques against each other.

[0134] Furthermore, the embodiment described above is not limited to games played by two players, but may also be games played by three or more players.

[0135] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various types of electronic games can be employed as games of this disclosure, such as racing games in which users compete for lap times using racing cars they control, hunting games or action games in which users control characters to defeat enemy characters, shooting games in which users control characters to shoot enemy characters, and puzzle games in which players progress by rearranging puzzle pieces according to predetermined rules.

[0136] In this case, for example, in a racing game, situational information related to the game may include lap times, overall ranking, map, vehicle tuning details, time lost due to crashes, average lap time, fastest lap time, etc., while in a shooting game, situational information may include a list of acquired items, number of headshots during the match, number of enemies killed, survival time, overall map, etc.

[0137] Furthermore, the selection of information by the viewer may be performed after the viewing request has been made (while watching the live commentary video), although this is not limited to the above embodiment. In this case, if the viewer is not completely satisfied with the selection information initially set, they can re-select information that better suits their needs.

[0138] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and a video showing the opponent playing the game may be displayed in conjunction with the game screen (for example, in the lower left corner of the game screen).

[0139] Furthermore, although not limited to the above embodiment, information based on mandatory setting information selected from the commentator setting information may be output to the viewer's user terminal device based on instructions from the commentator, either in place of game information or together with at least a part of the game information.

[0140] This mandatory setting information refers to situational information related to the game that viewers are required to view, without being given the option to choose whether or not to view it. Mandatory setting information is set, for example, by the streamer selecting arbitrary information as streamer setting information from the editing / menu screen of the live commentary video, and then further selecting information from that streamer setting information that viewers should be forced to view as mandatory setting information.

[0141] In this case, it becomes possible to more reliably deliver information that the commentator particularly wants viewers to pay attention to.

[0142] Furthermore, in this case, the mandatory setting information may be information that is automatically selected by the streaming server (or game server) or the like, depending on the progress of the game. It is preferable that the rules for the streaming server or game server to automatically select the information are set in advance by the streamer, game developer, etc. The rules may be set based on, for example, the game genre or the rules of operation for the match.

[0143] In this case, when an action that determines the outcome of a match is performed, the mandatory setting information is automatically included in the game information based on the relevant rule. This allows commentators to deliver information they want viewers to pay attention to in real time.

[0144] Furthermore, statistical information regarding game information output on the viewer's user terminal device may be received from the distribution server by the streamer's user terminal device, and such statistical information may be output on the streamer's user terminal device.

[0145] In this case, the streamer can understand the game information that viewers prefer and use it in their own commentary.

[0146] Furthermore, the statistical information sent to the streamer may include information on what kind of viewers (for example, viewer attributes such as gender, age, and playtime of the game being watched) displayed what information. The statistical information is compiled by the streaming server according to the viewer's attributes at predetermined intervals, such as the most recent month, based on the viewer's viewing history.

[0147] This allows streamers to understand their viewers' preferences and use this information when setting up their streamer profile.

[0148] Furthermore, the statistical information may be obtained by the distribution server aggregating game information output from the viewer's user terminal device and then transmitting that information to the streamer's user terminal device, or by transmitting unaggregated information from the distribution server to the streamer's user terminal device and then aggregating that information on the streamer's user terminal device.

[0149] Furthermore, streamers and viewers may be able to change the size of the game information display frame and the number of frames displayed within it (i.e., customize the game information display frame).

[0150] Furthermore, viewers may, for example, position the video display frame F1 on the right and the game information display frame F2 on the left in Figure 5, and also enlarge the size of the game information display frame F2. Additionally, viewers may configure which frame F1, F2, and F3 are displayed on which screen when displaying the video display frame F1, game information display frame F2, and text frame F3 across multiple screens, rather than on a single screen as in Figure 5.

[0151] The system is not limited to the above embodiment, which allows for the customization of game information based on viewer input. Viewers may also choose from two modes: one in which they can watch the game while displaying game information they have set themselves, and another in which they can watch the game while displaying commentator settings set by the commentator.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, viewers may be able to switch to a mode they have set, with the mode set by the commentator being the default mode.

[0153] Furthermore, if there are multiple game information display frames, it may be possible to switch modes for at least some of them. In this case, for example, the first game information display frame may be set to viewer mode, and the second game information display frame may be set to commentator mode.

[0154] Furthermore, in this case, the commentator may provide multiple modes depending on the viewer's status (e.g., beginner, advanced, etc.), such as a beginner spectator mode and an advanced spectator mode.

[0155] Furthermore, when the streamer's settings information is displayed, the streamer may pre-set a list of game information that can be freely viewed. In this case, viewers may select the information they wish to see from that list.

[0156] Furthermore, if a viewer participates in a voting event to determine what situational information they want the streamer to display, the streaming server may grant that viewer a reward. In this case, the reward may be the right for the viewer to appear in the streamed video with the streamer (or the right to be entered into a lottery to receive such a reward), or it may be the granting of in-game points or items.

[0157] Furthermore, the ranking information of situational data, which is voted on by viewers, may be set to be included in the live commentary video.

[0158] In this case, a combination of ranking and / or voting information may be generated as a popular template on the user terminal devices of the streamer and / or viewers. Furthermore, that template may be used by various viewers thereafter. In addition, that template may be distributed to other streamers.

[0159] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the selection information and game information may all be the same. That is, in the above embodiment, the "operation log of opponent A and B" is selected as the game information from the selection information "operation logs of opponent A and B", but the "operation logs of opponent A and B" may be selected as the game information.

[0160] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the game information may be data in which the selected information has been modified (for example, the streamer setting information selected as the selected information is "10 / 100", but the viewer's user terminal device displays "10%"), and / or has been embellished. In this case, the viewer may also output the game information in a notation that suits their preference (notation and units set in advance by the viewer).

[0161] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example in which live commentary videos, game information, etc., are output to one LCD screen of the viewer's user terminal device, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, live commentary videos may be displayed on the viewer's first monitor, and text data based on the commentator's voice data and game information may be displayed on the viewer's second monitor.

[0162] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which only one live commentary video is displayed on the viewer's user terminal device, the live commentary video may consist of two or more game screens (a screen from the perspective of a first opponent, a screen from the perspective of a second opponent, and a screen from the perspective of a third opponent).

[0163] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and when a viewer is at the venue of an e-sports tournament, they may be able to watch game videos by wearing a head-mounted display (HMD) as a user terminal device. In this case, for example, the user may be able to link their smartphone with the HMD and select the game information they want to display on the HMD.

[0164] Furthermore, this disclosure can be applied to the distribution of replay videos, as well as to live streaming.

[0165] Furthermore, although not limited to the above embodiment, not all situational information related to the game is downloaded from the game server to the distribution server; rather, some of it (for example, past match history between players) may be compiled and stored in advance on the distribution server.

[0166] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the user terminal device as a terminal device such as a smartphone, this disclosure is not limited to this. The user terminal device may be, for example, a stationary game console to which a display and controller are externally connected, or a personal computer.

[0167] Furthermore, for example, the number of game information display frames and the content that is preferentially displayed in each game information display frame may differ between a personal computer and a smartphone, which are used as user terminal devices by viewers.

[0168] Other examples include, A computer program that causes one or more terminal devices to perform the following steps: In the output step, an activity screen related to a predetermined activity is output based on the first user's actions. In the setup step, the first setting information selected by the first user from the status information related to the activity is set. In the receiving step, the second setting information selected by the second user from the status information is received. In the selection step, selection information, which is at least a portion of the first configuration information and / or at least a portion of the second configuration information, is selected based on the operation of the first user. In the output step, the activity information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, is output along with the activity screen. There is a computer program.

[0169] In this case, the technology of this disclosure can be applied not only to electronic games as in the above embodiment, but also to distributed videos related to various activities such as sports by real athletes, and board games such as shogi or go by real professional shogi players. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 1. Game Information Output System 2 Game Servers 3 Game Devices 4 Distribution Server 5. User terminal device

Claims

1. A computer program that causes a terminal device, which includes a first terminal device operated by a first user who is a viewer and a second terminal device operated by a second user who is a commentator, to perform the following steps: In the output step, the first terminal device outputs a game screen related to a predetermined game based on the operation of the first user. In the setup step, the first terminal device sets the first setting information selected by the first user from among the status information related to the game as information that can be output by the terminal device. In the receiving step, the first terminal device receives the second setting information selected by the second user in the second terminal device from the status information. In the selection step, the first terminal device selects selection information, which is at least a part of the first setting information and / or at least a part of the second setting information, based on the operation of the first user. In the output step, the first terminal device outputs game information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, along with the game screen. In the output step, the first terminal device outputs information based on at least one selected mandatory setting information from the second setting information, in place of the game information, or together with at least a part of the game information, based on instructions from the second user in the second terminal device. The aforementioned mandatory setting information is information that is automatically selected according to the progress of the game. Computer program.

2. A computer program that causes a terminal device, which includes a first terminal device operated by a first user who is a viewer and a second terminal device operated by a second user who is a commentator, to perform the following steps: In the output step, the first terminal device outputs a game screen related to a predetermined game based on the operation of the first user. In the setup step, the first terminal device sets the first setting information selected by the first user from among the status information related to the game as information that can be output by the terminal device. In the receiving step, the first terminal device receives the second setting information selected by the second user in the second terminal device from the status information. In the selection step, the first terminal device selects selection information, which is at least a part of the first setting information and / or at least a part of the second setting information, based on the operation of the first user. In the output step, the first terminal device outputs game information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, along with the game screen. In the aggregation step, the second terminal device acquires aggregated information relating to the game information output on the terminal device operated by the first user, In the presentation step, the second terminal device presents the aggregated information to the second user. Computer program.

3. A computer program that causes a terminal device, which includes a first terminal device operated by a first user who is a viewer and a second terminal device operated by a second user who is a commentator, to perform the following steps: In the output step, the first terminal device outputs a game screen related to a predetermined game based on the operation of the first user. In the setup step, the first terminal device sets the first setting information selected by the first user from among the status information related to the game as information that can be output by the terminal device. In the receiving step, the first terminal device receives the second setting information selected by the second user in the second terminal device from the status information. The second configuration information is transmitted from the second terminal device. In the selection step, the first terminal device selects selection information, which is at least a part of the first setting information and / or at least a part of the second setting information, based on the operation of the first user. In the output step, the first terminal device outputs game information, which is information based on the selection information selected in the selection step, along with the game screen. Computer program.

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