Receiving system and game system

Abstract

To enable a viewing user that has viewed a replay moving image of a game in which a second user performs a substitute play of a game play of a first user partially to grasp which period in the replay moving image is the substitute play by the second user.SOLUTION: A replay moving image of a game play by a first user which is reproduced and displayed is displayed on a viewing screen W1 displayed on a viewing terminal of a viewing user. In a reproduction time axis 22 of a reproduction bar 20 displayed outside an image IM of the replay moving image, a section corresponding to a substitute play period in which a substitute play is performed is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system or the like that provides a replay video to a viewing terminal so that it can be viewed.

Background Art

[0002] As one form of a game system via a communication network such as the Internet, while sharing a game image being played by a certain user (first user) with another user (second user), the operation right of the first user's game is transferred to the second user, and a game system capable of proxy play in which the second user plays the game instead of the first user is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As one of the pleasures related to games, there is a form in which a replay video of game play is posted on a video posting site and viewed by many viewers. However, in a game as disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, since the game image during proxy play is shared, it is impossible for a viewing user who views the posted replay video to determine whether the posted replay video is a game play in which proxy play was performed, and if proxy play was performed, which part was the play of the poster himself and which part was proxy play. Such a problem can occur.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to enable viewers who watch a replay video of a game in which a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user to understand which period in the replay video is the second user's gameplay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention for solving the above problem is: A replay video providing means (for example, the replay video providing unit 212 in Figure 12) that provides a replay video to a viewing terminal, based on data for a replay video when a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user, When the replay video is provided by the replay video providing means, a play period presentation control means (for example, the play period presentation control unit 214 in Figure 12) controls the viewing terminal to display the period during which the proxy play was performed and / or the period during which the proxy play was not performed. It is a computer system equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

[0007] Other inventions include, A method for providing replay videos, in which a computer system provides a replay video to a viewing terminal for viewing, based on data for a replay video when a second user partially plays a game on behalf of a first user, To acquire data for the aforementioned replay video, When providing the replay video, control is performed to display to the viewing terminal the period during which the proxy play was performed, and / or the period during which the proxy play was not performed. A method for providing replay videos that includes this may be configured.

[0008] According to the first invention, a viewer who watches a replay video of a game in which a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user can understand which period in the replay video is the second user's play. In other words, when a replay video of a game in which a play by proxy has taken place is made available for viewing on a viewing device, the period of play by proxy and / or the period of play without a proxy are indicated. This allows the viewer on the viewing device to easily understand which period in the replay video is the period in which a play by proxy took place. Furthermore, if a period of play without a proxy is indicated, the viewer can determine that the period other than the period of play without a proxy is the period of play by a proxy.

[0009] The second invention is, in the first invention, A playback time axis display control means (for example, the playback time axis display control unit 216 in Figure 12) controls the display of the playback time axis of the replay video provided by the replay video provision means on the viewing terminal. Furthermore, The play period presentation control means controls the viewing terminal to present the sections corresponding to the proxy play period and / or the non-proxy play period on the playback time axis. It is a computer system.

[0010] According to the second invention, the playback time axis of the replay video displays the sections corresponding to the proxy play period and / or the non-proxy play period, so that viewers can easily understand the proxy play period in the replay video by looking at this display.

[0011] The third invention is, in the second invention, An explanation information acquisition means (for example, the posting management unit 210 in Figure 12) that acquires explanation information for proxy play, which includes at least one of the first user's information, the second user's information, and the information on the content of the proxy play. Furthermore, The play period presentation control means controls the display mode of the portion of the playback time axis that indicates the interval based on the proxy play explanation information. This is the computer system described.

[0012] According to the third invention, viewers can obtain not only whether or not proxy play occurred, but also more detailed information about the proxy play, such as information about the first user who played the game, the second user who performed the proxy play, and the content of the proxy play that took place.

[0013] The fourth invention is, in any of the first to third inventions, A playback notification control means (for example, the playback notification control unit 218 in Figure 12) provides notification control to the viewing terminal to indicate whether or not the proxy play is currently being played when the replay video provided by the replay video provision means is being played. It is a computer system that is further equipped with [the following features].

[0014] According to the fourth invention, when a replay video is played, a notification is provided depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played, so that viewers can easily understand whether or not the gameplay being played is a proxy play based on this notification.

[0015] The fifth invention is, in the fourth invention, The playback notification control means performs the notification control by displaying a given effect on the viewing terminal. It is a computer system.

[0016] According to the fifth invention, as notification according to whether or not proxy play is being played, a given effect is displayed. Thereby, the viewing user can easily grasp whether the ongoing game play is proxy play or not based on the displayed effect. As the display of the effect, for example, the effect may be displayed only during the playback of proxy play and not during the playback of non-proxy play; conversely, the effect may not be displayed during the playback of proxy play and may be displayed only during the playback of non-proxy play; different effects may be displayed during proxy play and during non-proxy play, and so on.

[0017] The sixth invention is in the fourth or fifth invention, the playback notification control means performs the notification control by display control superimposed on the image of the replay video. It is a computer system.

[0018] According to the sixth invention, as notification according to whether or not proxy play is being played, superimposed display on the image of the replay video is performed. Thereby, the viewing user can grasp whether or not proxy play is being played by looking at the image of the replay video.

[0019] The seventh invention is in the fourth or fifth invention, the playback notification control means performs the notification control by display control outside the image of the replay video. It is a computer system.

[0020] According to the seventh invention, as notification according to whether or not proxy play is being played, display outside the image of the replay video is performed. Thereby, the viewing user can grasp whether or not proxy play is being played by looking at the replay image and its vicinity. Also, it is possible to avoid the situation where the replay video becomes difficult to view due to the overlapping of the display for notification.

[0021] The eighth invention is in any one of the fourth to seventh inventions, The playback notification control means performs the notification control when the replay video being played back satisfies a given specific scene condition. It is a computer system.

[0022] According to the eighth invention, notification regarding whether or not a proxy play is being played is not always given, but only when the replay video being played satisfies certain specific scene conditions. The specific scene conditions can be, for example, scenes that are highly likely to have been played by proxy, thereby reliably indicating to the viewer that a proxy play is taking place.

[0023] The ninth invention is, in the eighth invention, A specific scene condition setting means (for example, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 in Figure 12) that sets the aforementioned specific scene conditions based on the setting operations of the first user, It is a computer system that is further equipped with [the following features].

[0024] According to the ninth invention, specific scene conditions can be set based on the settings operation of the first user. This allows the first user to show the viewer that the scene was played by the user themselves, rather than by someone else.

[0025] The tenth invention is, in the eighth invention, A specific scene condition setting means (for example, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 in Figure 12) sets the aforementioned specific scene conditions based on the play history of the first user. It is a computer system that is further equipped with [the following features].

[0026] According to the tenth invention, specific scene conditions can be set based on the first user's play history. This allows the viewer to be shown whether or not a scene is being played by a proxy, for example, by setting a specific scene condition to a scene that is presumed to be difficult for the first user.

[0027] The eleventh invention relates to any of the first to tenth inventions, A proxy play information presentation control means (for example, the proxy play information presentation unit 222 in Figure 12) controls the display of proxy play information to the viewing terminal, which includes at least one of the following: the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, and the user identification information of the second user. It is a computer system that is further equipped with [the following features].

[0028] According to the eleventh invention, proxy play information, including at least one of the time percentage of the proxy play period, the length of the period, and second user identification information, is presented to the viewing terminal. This allows the viewing user to understand not only whether or not proxy play occurred, but also more detailed information about the proxy play, such as the length of the period during which the proxy play occurred and who the second user who performed the proxy play was.

[0029] The twelfth invention is based on the eleventh invention, The aforementioned replay video provision means is A means for displaying a list of replay video options available to the viewing terminal on the viewing terminal, Means for providing the replay video selected from the above options to the viewing terminal, It has, The proxy play information presentation control means controls the presentation of the proxy play information to the viewing terminal in correspondence with the selections. It is a computer system.

[0030] According to the twelfth invention, proxy play information can be presented in association with the options of the replay videos displayed in a list. This allows viewers to use the proxy play information presented in association with the options to help them select which replay videos to view.

[0031] The 13th invention is, A server system which is a computer system according to any of the 1st to 12th inventions, The aforementioned viewing terminal (for example, user terminal 1500c in Figure 1), It is a game system that possesses the following features.

[0032] According to the 13th invention, a game system can be realized that achieves the same effects as the 1st to 12th inventions.

[0033] The 15th invention is, Computer systems, A server system that controls the provision of a replay video to a viewing terminal based on data for a replay video when a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user, means for transmitting the replay video data (for example, the submission data transmission control unit 605b in Figure 20), Means for transmitting data to the server system regarding the period during which the proxy play was performed and / or the period during which the proxy play was not performed in the replay video (for example, the submission data transmission control unit 650b in Figure 20), This is a program designed to function as such.

[0034] According to the 15th invention, a replay video of a game in which a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user can be posted to a server system, and the replay video can show the period of proxy play and / or non-proxy play within the replay video. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] An example of a game system configuration. [Figure 2] A video overview of the game system. [Figure 3] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 4] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 5] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 6] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 7] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 8] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 9]An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 10] An example of a screen for setting specific scene conditions. [Figure 11] An example of a replay video selection screen. [Figure 12] Example of a server system's functional configuration. [Figure 13] An example of user management data. [Figure 14] An example of post management data. [Figure 15] An example of a list of specific scene conditions. [Figure 16] Example of user terminal function configuration. [Figure 17] A flowchart outlining the process for uploading gameplay and replay videos. [Figure 18] A flowchart illustrating the process for viewing replay videos. [Figure 19] Other examples of viewing screens. [Figure 20] Other examples of user terminals. [Figure 21] An example of submitted data. [Figure 22] Other examples of game systems. [Figure 23] Other examples of game systems. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, nor are the applicable forms of the present invention limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0037] [Game System] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the game system of this embodiment. According to Figure 1, the game system 1 of this embodiment comprises a server system 1000 that can connect to a communication network N, and a plurality of user terminals 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c, ...) that can access the server system 1000 via the communication network N and communicate with the server system 1000.

[0038] Communication network N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, communication network N includes not only LANs (Local Area Networks) using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0039] The server system 1000 is a computer system comprising a main unit 1010, a keyboard 1002, a display 1004, and storage 1030, with a control board 1020 mounted on the main unit 1010.

[0040] The control board 1020 is equipped with various processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1021, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1022 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1023. Note that part or all of the control board 1020 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip). These arithmetic circuits can also be considered processors. The server system 1000 then implements various services for operating the game of this embodiment by performing calculations based on predetermined programs and data on the control board 1020. For example, it implements a user management function related to user registration, a game management function that manages the execution control of the game on the user terminal 1500, a posting management function that acquires data of game play replay videos from the user terminal 1500, and a video provision function that makes replay videos viewable on the user terminal 1500.

[0041] Furthermore, the server system 1000 is not limited to the single configuration shown in Figure 1. It may also be configured with multiple blade servers, each handling different functions, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Alternatively, it may be configured so that multiple independent servers located in different locations communicate data via a communication line, functioning as a single server system 1000.

[0042] A user terminal 1500 (1500a, 1500b, 1500c, ...) is a computer system used individually by user 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, ...) for gameplay, posting and viewing replay videos, and is an electronic device that can access the server system 1000 via a communication network N. In this embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is described as a device commonly known as a smartphone, but it may also be a portable game console, game controller, personal computer, tablet computer, wearable computer, home game console, or commercial game console. Furthermore, it is not limited to a single device as shown in Figure 1, but may be a configuration in which multiple devices work together to function as an integrated unit.

[0043] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the operation of the game system 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the game played by the game system 1 is a game in which another user 3b (hereinafter referred to as "second user") can partially take over the gameplay performed by user 3a (hereinafter referred to as "first user") by operating their own user terminal 1500a (hereinafter referred to as "first terminal"). The second user can perform the substitute play at any time during the first user's gameplay. During substitute play, the second user has the right to control the gameplay, and the second user plays the game on behalf of the first user by operating their own user terminal 1500b (hereinafter referred to as "second terminal"). During substitute play, the first user cannot play the game by operating the first terminal.

[0044] The server system 1000 controls the gameplay of the first user operating the first terminal. During gameplay by the first user (referred to as "non-proxy play" in contrast to proxy play where the second user has control on behalf of the first user), the server system 1000 controls the game's progress based on the first user's operation information obtained from the first terminal and displays game images corresponding to the game's progress on the first terminal. During proxy play, where control is transferred from the first user to the second user, the server system 1000 controls the game's progress based on the second user's operation information obtained from the second terminal and displays game images corresponding to the game's progress on both the first user's first terminal and the second user's second terminal.

[0045] In other words, during proxy play, the second user operates the second device while viewing the game images displayed on the second device, and the first user watches the gameplay being performed by the second user as displayed on the first device. It should be noted that during proxy play, the first and second users share not only the game images, but also other elements related to gameplay, such as game audio and background music.

[0046] The first user can upload a replay video of the gameplay to the server system 1000 after the gameplay has finished. Specifically, the first user operates the first terminal to upload a desired portion or all of the gameplay footage as a replay video. The server system 1000 acquires and manages the specified portion or all of the recorded gameplay footage as a replay video for upload, in accordance with the upload operation obtained from the first terminal.

[0047] The server system 1000 then provides the replay video requested by the viewing user so that it can be viewed on the viewing terminal operated by the viewing user. Specifically, the viewing user operates the viewing terminal to request to view a desired replay video from among the replay videos presented as available for viewing by the server system 1000. In response to the viewing request from the viewing terminal, the server system 1000 transmits the provision data 740 related to the requested replay video to the viewing terminal, and provides the replay video so that it can be viewed on the viewing terminal.

[0048] The provided data 740 includes replay video data 741, video-related data 742, and proxy play notification data 743. Replay video data 741 is data for playing and displaying the replay video. Video-related data 742 is data related to the replay video, specifically including the title name, user ID, and playback time. Proxy play notification data 743 is data for presenting information to the viewing user regarding proxy play performed during the replay period, which is the period of gameplay corresponding to the replay video. Specifically, it includes the proxy play period during which the proxy play took place, the proxy user name (the username of the second user who performed the proxy play), and the notification timing (the timing at which notification regarding the proxy play is given).

[0049] [Replay video viewing screen] Figure 3 shows an example of a viewing screen for a replay video displayed on a viewing terminal. Figure 3 shows an example of a fighting game in which the first user controls a player character 10 to compete against a computer-controlled non-playable character 12. On the viewing screen W1, the image IM1 of the replay video is played and displayed, and information about the replay video currently being played, such as the uploader, title, upload date and time, and playback time, is displayed above the image IM1. Below the image IM1, a playback bar 20 is displayed, which expands and contracts along the playback time axis 22 to indicate the current time position in the replay video. The length of this playback time axis 22 corresponds to the playback time of the replay video (in the example of Figure 2, "15:00"), and the section corresponding to the proxy play period (in the example of Figure 3, the section from "5:00" to "9:00"), which is the period during which the proxy play took place, is displayed along with the username of the second user who performed the proxy play (in the example of Figure 3, "△△-san"), which is the user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play. This display makes it possible for the viewing user to understand the proxy play period within the entire replay video. Furthermore, this display is based on the proxy play suggestion data 743 included in the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000. Note that instead of the second user's username, a logo image, avatar image, or photograph of the second user may be displayed as the second user's identification information.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, an example of the viewing screen W3, the playback time axis 22 may be configured to display the sections corresponding to non-proxy play periods, rather than proxy play periods, along with the username of the first user who posted the video. This display allows viewers to understand that the sections other than those displayed as non-proxy play periods are the periods during which proxy play took place. It is also possible to display both the sections corresponding to proxy play periods and the sections corresponding to non-proxy play periods.

[0051] Furthermore, the viewing terminal may be configured to display a notification when playing a replay video, indicating whether or not a proxy play is currently being played. Figures 5 to 9 show examples of viewing screens in which a notification of whether or not a proxy play is being played is displayed via display control. In the viewing screen W5 shown in Figure 5, a message 14 is superimposed on the replay video image IM5, indicating that a proxy play is being played in the replay video, that the game play being played is a proxy play, and also indicating the username (in the example in Figure 5, "△△"), which is the user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play. Note that this message 14 may also be displayed outside the replay video image IM5 (for example, at the top outside).

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in the viewing screen W7 of Figure 6, when playing a replay video of a non-proxy play, a message 16 may be superimposed on the replay video image IM7 to indicate that the gameplay being played is a non-proxy play and to indicate the username of the first user playing the game (in the example of Figure 6, the name of the poster, "Mr. / Ms. XX"). Note that this message 16 may also be displayed outside the replay video image IM7 (for example, at the top outside).

[0053] In the viewing screen W9 shown in Figure 7, the proxy play in the replay video is being played, and effect 24 is displayed along the edge of the replay video image IM9. Also, in the viewing screen W11 shown in Figure 8, effect 26 is displayed on the player character 10, which is controlled by the first user and is controlled by the second user during proxy play. The display of these effects 24 and 26 allows the viewing user to understand that the game play being played is a proxy play.

[0054] Furthermore, the viewing screen may be configured to display a given effect when a non-proxy play is being played in the replay video, rather than when a proxy play is being played. Moreover, different effects may be displayed when a proxy play is being played compared to when a non-proxy play is being played.

[0055] Notifications regarding whether or not a proxy play is in progress may be provided not only through display on the viewing screen, but also through audio output or vibration. Specifically, as an audio notification, the viewing terminal 1500's speaker may output a text message containing the username of the second user performing the proxy play, such as "This is a proxy play by △△," along with a predetermined sound effect or background music indicating that a proxy play is in progress. The background music may also be changed to a predetermined BGM indicating that a proxy play is in progress. As a vibration notification, the vibration motor or other vibration part of the viewing terminal 1500c may vibrate in a predetermined vibration pattern indicating that a proxy play is in progress. Furthermore, even when a non-proxy play is in progress, similar to when a proxy play is in progress, notifications regarding whether or not a non-proxy play is in progress may be provided not only through display on the viewing screen, but also through audio output or vibration.

[0056] Furthermore, notification regarding whether or not a proxy play is being played may be provided when the replay video being played meets a given specific scene condition. Figure 9 is an example of a viewing screen when the replay video being played meets a specific scene condition. In the viewing screen W13 shown in Figure 9, a proxy play in the replay video is being played, and the scene being played is an example of a scene that meets a specific scene condition, which is the scene where player character 10 performs a predetermined technique. At the moment when this scene that meets a specific scene condition is reached, a message 28 is displayed that notifies the user that the game play being played is a proxy play, and also notifies the username of the second user, which is the user identification information (in the example in Figure 9, "△△-san"). This message 28 is displayed temporarily when the specific scene condition is met.

[0057] Furthermore, if certain scene conditions are met while a replay video is not being played by a proxy player, i.e., while a non-proxy play is being played, a message may be displayed similarly informing the user that the gameplay being played is not a proxy play, along with the username of the first user.

[0058] The specific scene conditions should be scenes where it is highly likely that proxy play occurred. For example, (1) "success scenes" such as scenes where a battle with an opponent or enemy character is won, scenes where a stage is cleared, or scenes where a specific item is obtained; (2) "specific scenes in game progression" predetermined in accordance with the game scenario, such as scenes where the game progresses by performing a specific action, or difficult scenes that appear in the game progression; (3) "comeback scenes" where the parameters such as the health value of the player character controlled by the first user fall below a predetermined percentage compared to the opponent's character, or where the first user, who is inferred from the game progression, is at a disadvantage but then becomes advantageous; (4) "difficult scenes" determined according to the user's game play history, such as stages or locations that are inferred to be difficult for the first user based on their past play history, or stages or locations that are inferred to be difficult for many users based on the play history of other users. Data regarding scenes in the replay video that meet the specific scene conditions are included in the proxy play presentation data 743 of the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000.

[0059] The specific scene conditions may be set based on the first user's settings operation, or they may be set automatically. Specifically, as one of the operations for the first user to post a replay video, a settings screen W15, shown as an example in Figure 10, is displayed on the first terminal. This settings screen W15 presents two options for the timing of notification depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played: "Always display" and "Select specific scene conditions." The first user can choose either one.

[0060] The first option, "Always display," instructs the system to always display a notification indicating whether or not a proxy play is being played while the replay video is playing (see, for example, viewing screens W5 and W7 in Figures 5 and 6). The second option, "Select specific scene conditions," instructs the system to set specific scene conditions that determine when the notification indicating whether or not a proxy play is being played will be displayed. The first user can select and set any number of specific scene conditions from the enumerated list. Furthermore, the first user can choose to have the specific scene conditions automatically selected and set instead of selecting them themselves.

[0061] [Replay video selection screen] Viewers can select the replay video they want to watch from among several replay videos available from the server system. Figure 11 shows an example of the replay video selection screen displayed on the viewing terminal. In the selection screen W17 shown in Figure 11, a list of replay video options 30 available to the viewing terminal are displayed. Each option 30 is displayed with a thumbnail image 31 of the corresponding replay video, along with a brief description of the replay video such as the title, uploader's name, and playback time. For replay videos that include proxy play, a proxy play icon 32 is displayed to indicate that it includes proxy play. When this proxy play icon 32 is selected, proxy play information is displayed in a pop-up window, including the lengths of the proxy play period and the non-proxy play period in the replay video (in the example in Figure 11, the proxy play period is 4 minutes from "05:00 to 09:00"), the percentage of the replay video that is proxy play (in the example in Figure 11, "30%)", and the user identification information of the second user who performed the proxy play (in the example in Figure 11, "△△-san").

[0062] Furthermore, the selection screen W17 for this replay video may allow users to search and sort the options 30 according to predetermined conditions. These predetermined conditions may include, for example, whether or not proxy play was performed, the second user who performed the proxy play, the percentage or length of time the proxy play took place, etc. Also, the selection screen W17 is not limited to one that displays thumbnail images 31. In addition, the user identification information of the second user included in the replay video options 30 on the selection screen W17 may not be limited to the username, but may also include a user ID number, a logo mark image representing the user, an avatar image, a photograph of the face, etc.

[0063] [Functional Configuration] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server system 1000. According to Figure 12, the server system 1000 comprises an operation input unit 102, an image display unit 104, an audio output unit 106, a communication unit 108, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

[0064] The operation input unit 102 outputs operation input signals to the server processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs for managing the server system 1000. The keyboard 1002 in Figure 1 corresponds to this.

[0065] The server processing unit 200 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU or GPU, or electronic components such as an ASIC or IC memory, and controls data input and output with each functional unit, including the operation input unit 102 and the server storage unit 300. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 102, and received data from the user terminal 1500, thereby comprehensively controlling the operation of the server system 1000. The control board 1020 in Figure 1 corresponds to this. The server processing unit 200 also includes a user management unit 202, a game management unit 204, a submission management unit 210, a timing unit 230, an image generation unit 234, a sound generation unit 236, and a communication control unit 238. Of course, other functions can also be included as appropriate.

[0066] The user management unit 202 performs various processes related to user registration management. In this embodiment, it has the functions of assigning a unique user account to registered users, managing registration information to register and manage personal information for each user account, and managing game data. Of course, it can also include functions for managing other data linked to accounts as appropriate. The user management unit 202 manages data related to each user 3 by assigning a unique account (user ID) to users 3 who have gone through the user registration procedure and generating user management data 320.

[0067] Figure 13 shows an example of user management data 320. According to Figure 13, user management data 320 is generated for each registered user and includes the user account 321 assigned to that user, the user terminal ID 322 of the user terminal 1500 of that user, play history data 330, and posting history data 323.

[0068] User account 321 includes a unique user ID assigned to that user, as well as a username and password arbitrarily set by that user.

[0069] The play history data 330 is generated for each game play and includes a play ID 331 that identifies the game play, the play date and time 332 in which the game play took place, operation history data 333, character control history data 334, gameplay video data 335, and proxy play data 336.

[0070] The operation history data 333 is a history of user inputs during the game play, accumulating data that associates each operation command with a time in the game's progress calculation. During the entire game play period, the non-proxy play period is the history of the first user's inputs, and during the proxy play period, it is the history of the second user's inputs. The character control history data 334 is a history of control data for each character, including the first user's player character, during the game play, accumulating data such as the position and posture of each character in association with time. The play video data 335 is video data that records the video of the game play. The proxy play data 336 is data related to proxy play performed during the game play, generated for each proxy play, and includes the proxy period and the proxy user ID, which is the user account of the second user who performed the proxy play. The proxy period is the period during which the proxy play was performed, for example, the start and end times of the proxy play relative to the start time of the game play.

[0071] Returning to Figure 12, the game management unit 204 uses the game initial setup data 304 to perform various processes related to controlling the execution of gameplay on the user terminal 1500. The game initial setup data 304 consists of various initial setup data necessary for controlling the execution of the game, and includes, for example, initial setup data for the game space, characters and items that appear in the game.

[0072] The posting management unit 210 performs various processes related to the management of replay videos posted by users and the provision of replay videos to users. Specifically, in accordance with the posting operation on the user terminal 1500, it acquires part or all of the video footage of the game play stored as play video data 335 in the play history data 330 of the user management data 320 as the posted replay video, assigns a unique posting ID to the replay video, and generates posting management data 340, thereby managing the data related to the posted replay video.

[0073] Figure 14 shows an example of post management data 340. According to Figure 14, post management data 340 is generated for each post and includes post ID 341, post date and time 342, post user account 343 which is the account of the user who made the post, title 344, playback time 345, replay video data 346, reproduction data 347, proxy play data 348, specific scene condition setting data 349, and proxy play explanation information 350.

[0074] Replay video data 346 is video data for a desired period extracted from recorded gameplay footage. Reconstruction data 347 is data for reconstructing the game space during the replay period, which is the period of gameplay corresponding to the replay video, and reconstructing the gameplay. Specifically, it includes the operation history of the posting user (first user) during non-proxy play and the operation history of the second user during proxy play during the replay period, as well as character control history such as the position and posture of each character during the replay period. Proxy play data 348 is data related to proxy play performed during the replay period. Specifically, it includes the proxy play period, which is the period during which the proxy play took place, and the proxy user ID, which is the user ID of the second user who performed the proxy play. Reconstruction data 347 and proxy play data 348 are set based on the posting user's play history data 330.

[0075] The specific scene condition setting data 349 is data about specific scene conditions set as the timing for notification depending on whether or not a proxy play is being played when a replay video is played. The specific scene condition setting data 349 stores the corresponding period in the replay video that satisfies the condition and the operating user in association with each condition ID of the specific scene condition set by the specific scene condition setting unit 220. The operating user is the user who has the right to operate during the corresponding period, and is the posting user (first user) if it is a non-proxy play period, and the second user who performed the proxy play if it is a proxy play period. The specific scene conditions are selected from the specific scene condition list 310. The specific scene condition list 310 is a list that enumerates multiple specific scene conditions in association with a condition ID, which is an identification number, as an example shown in Figure 15.

[0076] The proxy play explanation information 350 is data that explains the proxy play performed during the replay period, and specifically includes information about the first user who made the post, information about the second user who performed the proxy play, and information about the content of the proxy play performed. Information about the first user and the second user includes, for example, information about the user's gameplay such as their level, rank, and record, information about the proxy play such as the second user's level and evaluation, and whether or not the user meets the prescribed conditions. Users who meet the prescribed conditions are, for example, skilled users such as professional gamers and high-ranking players, and users who have received penalties for breaches of etiquette in gameplay or proxy play. Information about the content of the proxy play includes whether or not the proxy play performed during the proxy play period includes scenes that meet the prescribed conditions. Scenes that meet the prescribed conditions are, for example, scenes that the first user or second user is good at or bad at, as determined from their play history data 330. It may also include scenes that the first user or second user is good at or bad at. The proxy play explanation information 350 is set based on user management data 320, unillustrated management data that manages evaluations of user 3, data obtained from external devices that perform such management, etc.

[0077] The posting management unit 210 includes a replay video provision unit 212, a play period display control unit 214, a playback time axis display control unit 216, a playback notification control unit 218, a specific scene condition setting unit 220, and a proxy play information display unit 222.

[0078] The replay video provision unit 212 provides a replay video to the viewing terminal for viewing, based on data for the replay video when the second user, operating the second terminal, partially plays the game on behalf of the first user, operating the first terminal (see, for example, viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figures 3 to 9). It also displays a list of available replay video options on the viewing terminal (see, for example, selection screen W17 in Figure 11), and provides the viewing terminal with the replay video selected from the options.

[0079] The provision of replay videos to viewing terminals is achieved by generating provision data 740 based on the post management data 340 corresponding to the replay video and transmitting it to the viewing terminal. At this time, the specific scene condition setting data 349 of the post management data 340 is set to the notification timing included in the proxy play suggestion data 743 (see Figure 2) of the provision data 740.

[0080] The play period display control unit 214 controls the display of the period during which proxy play was performed and / or the period during which proxy play was not performed when the replay video is provided by the replay video provision unit 212. Specifically, it controls the display of the section corresponding to the proxy play period and / or the section corresponding to the non-proxy play period on the playback time axis 22 of the playback bar 20 (see, for example, the viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figures 3 to 9). The display method can be, for example, based on the playback time of the video accompanying data 742 included in the provided data 740 and the proxy play display data 743.

[0081] The playback time axis display control unit 216 controls the display of the playback time axis 22 of the replay video provided by the replay video provision unit 212 on the viewing terminal (see, for example, viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figures 3 to 9).

[0082] The playback notification control unit 218 performs notification control to cause the viewing terminal to notify whether or not a proxy play is in progress when playing a replay video provided by the replay video provision unit 212. Notification control may be performed by displaying a given effect on the viewing terminal (see, for example, viewing screens W9 and W11 in Figures 7 and 8), by display control that superimposes on the image of the replay video (see, for example, viewing screens W5 and W7 in Figures 5 and 6), or by display control outside the image of the replay video (see, for example, viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figures 3 to 9). In addition, notification control may be performed when the replay video being played satisfies a given specific scene condition (see, for example, viewing screen W13 in Figure 9). The timing at which the specific scene is satisfied is determined by the notification timing of the proxy play data 336 included in the provided data 740, that is, by the specific scene condition setting data 349.

[0083] The specific scene condition setting unit 220 sets specific scene conditions based on the setting operations of the first user. Specifically, when the first terminal receives a replay video submission from the first user, for example, the setting screen shown as an example in Figure 10 is displayed on the first terminal, and the specific scene conditions that determine the timing for notifying whether or not a proxy play is currently being played are set according to the operation input of the first user on that screen, and these are stored as specific scene condition setting data 349 of the corresponding submission management data 340.

[0084] Furthermore, specific scene conditions may be set based on the first user's play history. That is, by referring to the play history data 330 of the user management data 320 corresponding to the first user, scenes that are presumed to be difficult for the user, such as scenes where the same action is repeated or scenes where health points decrease significantly, can be set as specific scene conditions.

[0085] The proxy play information presentation unit 222 controls the display of proxy play information to the viewing terminal, which includes at least one of the following: the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, and the user identification information of the second user. For example, it controls the display of proxy play information to the viewing terminal in association with the selection of replay videos displayed in a list by the replay video provision unit 212 (see, for example, the selection screen W17 in Figure 11).

[0086] The timing unit 230 uses the system clock to time the current date and time, etc.

[0087] The image generation unit 234 generates images related to the system management of the server system 1000, as well as images to be displayed on the user terminal 1500. The system management images are then output to the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 displays various images for system management based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 234. This can be achieved by an image display device such as a flat panel display or a projector. The display 1006 in Figure 1 is an example of this.

[0088] The sound generation unit 236 is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data, and generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and background music related to system management and gameplay of the server system 1000. It then outputs the audio signal to the sound output unit 106. The sound output unit 106 emits sound based on the audio signal. This corresponds to the speakers (not shown) provided in the main unit 1010 and the display 1006 in Figure 1.

[0089] The communication control unit 238 performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 108. The communication unit 108 connects to the communication network N to enable communication. This can be achieved by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack or control circuit for a wired communication cable, etc. The communication device 1016 in Figure 1 corresponds to this.

[0090] The server storage unit 300 stores programs and various data for implementing various functions that enable the server processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the server system 1000. It is also used as a workspace for the server processing unit 200 and temporarily stores calculation results and other data executed by the server processing unit 200 according to various programs. For example, it can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, or online storage. The server storage unit 300 stores server programs 302 for implementing various functional parts of the server system 1000, game initial setting data 304, specific scene condition list 310, user management data 320, and submission management data 340.

[0091] (B) User terminal Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 1500. According to Figure 16, the user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 502, an image display unit 504, an audio output unit 506, a communication unit 508, a terminal processing unit 600, and a terminal storage unit 700.

[0092] The operation input unit 502 outputs operation input signals to the terminal processing unit 600 in response to various operation inputs from the user 3. This can be implemented using, for example, a push switch, joystick, touchpad, trackball, accelerometer, gyroscope, CCD module, etc.

[0093] The terminal processing unit 600 is implemented by electronic components such as a processor and IC memory, and controls data input and output with each functional unit, including the operation input unit 502 and the terminal storage unit 700. The processor includes, for example, centralized computing devices such as CPUs and GPUs, as well as arithmetic circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs. It controls the operation of the user terminal 1500 by executing various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation signals from the operation input unit 502, and received data from the server system 1000. The terminal processing unit 600 also includes a game progress control unit 602, a posting control unit 604, a browsing control unit 606, a timing unit 610, an image display control unit 614, a sound playback control unit 616, and a communication control unit 618.

[0094] The game progress control unit 602 functions when the user terminal 1500 is the first terminal and controls the progress of the user's (first user's) gameplay according to the control of the server system 1000. This game allows for partial proxy play by another user (second user) over the gameplay of the first user (the user themselves).

[0095] The posting control unit 604 functions when the user terminal 1500 is the first terminal and controls the posting of replay videos of gameplay performed on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, it causes the user (first user) to perform posting operations such as specifying a portion or all of the period to be posted as a replay video from the gameplay footage, in accordance with the control of the server system 1000. The posting control unit 604 may also be configured to post automatically. In that case, it may automatically post the entire period of gameplay performed on the user terminal 1500 as the target of the replay video, or it may automatically post gameplay for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 minutes) as the target of the replay video. Alternatively, it may be configured to automatically post gameplay for a predetermined time period retrospectively from the time the game was ended or paused as the target of the replay video.

[0096] The viewing control unit 606 functions when the user terminal 1500 is a viewing terminal and controls the viewing of replay videos on the user terminal 1500. Specifically, it displays a list of replay video options based on data received from the server system 1000 (see, for example, the selection screen W17 in Figure 11), sends a request to the server system 1000 to view the replay video corresponding to the option selected by the user (viewing user), and displays a viewing screen with the replay video playing based on the provided data 740 received from the server system 1000 (see, for example, viewing screens W1 to W13 in Figures 3 to 9). Along with the display of the replay video, it displays information indicating the proxy play period and / or non-proxy play period according to the proxy play indication data 743 in the provided data 740, and displays information indicating whether or not proxy play is currently being played.

[0097] The timing unit 610 uses the system clock to determine the current date and time.

[0098] The image display control unit 614 controls the display of the screen based on various image data received from the server system 1000. For example, it is implemented by a processor such as a CPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or video codec, and a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and generates image signals for various display screens and outputs them to the image display unit 504.

[0099] The image display unit 504 displays various images based on image signals input from the image display control unit 614. This can be achieved, for example, by an image display device such as a flat panel display, projector, or head-mounted display.

[0100] The sound playback control unit 616 controls the output of sound based on various audio data received from the server system 1000. For example, it is implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, and an audio codec for playing audio files, and generates sound signals for various sounds such as game sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 506.

[0101] The sound output unit 506 outputs sound effects, background music, etc., based on the sound signal input from the sound playback control unit 616. This can be achieved, for example, by a sound output device such as a speaker.

[0102] The communication control unit 618 performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 508. This can be achieved, for example, by wireless communication devices, modems, TAs (terminal adapters), jacks and control circuits of wired communication cables, etc.

[0103] The terminal storage unit 700 stores system programs for implementing various functions to allow the terminal processing unit 600 to comprehensively control the user terminal 1500, as well as programs necessary for gameplay and various data. It is also used as a workspace for the terminal processing unit 600, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 600 according to various programs, as well as input data from the operation input unit 502. For example, it can be implemented using IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In this embodiment, the terminal storage unit 700 stores the terminal program 702, play data 720, and provided data 740.

[0104] [Process Flow] Figures 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating the processing flow in the game system.

[0105] (A) Posting gameplay and replay videos Figure 17 is a flowchart of the processes related to gameplay and posting of gameplay on user terminal 1500. In Figure 17, the processes of user terminal 1500 (first terminal) are shown on the left, and the processes of server system 1000 are shown on the right.

[0106] First, the execution of the game by the first user on the first terminal is controlled. Specifically, the game progress control unit 602 of the first terminal starts gameplay according to the user's (first user's) input (step S1), and the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 starts controlling the game's progress on the first terminal (step S3). In this game, partial gameplay by another user, the second user, is possible at any time. Also, the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 starts recording a video of the gameplay at the same time as the game progress control starts (step S5). Then, when the game progress control unit 602 of the first terminal ends gameplay (step S7), the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 ends controlling the game's progress on the first terminal (step S9) and ends recording the video of the gameplay (step S11). When gameplay ends, the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 generates and stores play history data 330 related to that gameplay (step S13).

[0107] Next, the posting control unit 604 of the first terminal posts the gameplay in accordance with the posting operation by its own user (first user) (step S15). Then, the posting management unit 210 of the server system 1000 extracts part or all of the gameplay video of the corresponding gameplay and generates a replay video (step S17). Next, based on the first user's play history data 330, it determines the replay period, which is the period of gameplay corresponding to the generated replay video, and generates data related to the proxy play performed during the replay period (step S19). Then, the specific scene condition setting unit 220 sets specific scene conditions, and the posting management unit 210 generates and stores posting management data 340 for the post (step S21). After the above processing is completed, this process is finished.

[0108] (B) Viewing replay videos Figure 18 shows the processing related to viewing replay videos on user terminal 1500. In Figure 18, the processing of server system 1000 is shown on the left, and the processing of user terminal 1500 (viewing terminal) is shown on the right.

[0109] First, in the viewing terminal, the viewing control unit 606 sends a request to the server system 1000 to view a replay video according to the user's (viewing user's) operation (step S31). When the server system 1000 receives this viewing request from the viewing terminal (step S33), the replay video provision unit 212 sends data to the viewing terminal to display a selection screen, which is a list of available replay videos (step S35). In the viewing terminal, the viewing control unit 606 displays the replay video selection screen based on the data received from the server system 1000 (step S37), and sends the data of the selected option to the server system 1000 according to the user's (viewing user's) operation on this selection screen (step S39).

[0110] When the server system 1000 receives a selection of a replay video from the viewing terminal (step S41), the replay video provision unit 212 sends provision data 740 to the viewing terminal to make the replay video viewable, based on the corresponding post management data 340 (step S43). Then, the viewing control unit 606 on the viewing terminal controls the playback of the replay video based on the provision data 740 received from the server system 1000 (step S45). After completing the above processes, this process is finished.

[0111] [Effects and Effects] According to this embodiment, a viewer who watches a replay video of a game in which a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user can understand which period in the replay video is the second user's play. In other words, when providing a replay video of a game in which a play was performed by a player to the viewing terminal, the period of play by the player and / or the period of play that was not performed by the player are indicated. This allows the viewer on the viewing terminal to easily understand which period in the replay video is the period in which the play was performed by the player. Furthermore, if a period of play that was not performed by the player is indicated, the viewer can determine that the period other than the period of play that was not performed by the player is the period of play by the player.

[0112] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0113] (A) Display based on proxy play explanation information On the viewing screen of the replay video displayed on the viewing terminal, the portion indicating the section corresponding to the proxy play period displayed along the playback time axis 22 of the playback bar 20 may be displayed in a display manner corresponding to the proxy play explanation information 350 which includes at least one of the first user's information, the second user's information, and information on the content of the proxy play.

[0114] Information about the first and second users includes, for example, information about gameplay such as level, rank, and battle record; information about proxy play such as the second user's level and evaluation; and whether or not the user meets certain conditions. Users who meet certain conditions include, for example, skilled users such as professional gamers and high-ranking players, and users who have received penalties for breaches of etiquette during gameplay or proxy play. Depending on this information about the second user, the color, shape, and pattern of the playback bar 20 and playback time axis 22 in the section corresponding to the proxy play period may be changed. Also, depending on the information about the first user, the color, shape, and pattern of the playback bar 20 and playback time axis 22 in the section corresponding to the non-proxy play period may be changed.

[0115] Information about the content of the proxy play includes whether or not the proxy play performed during the proxy play period includes scenes that meet predetermined conditions. Scenes that meet predetermined conditions are, for example, scenes that the first user or second user is good at or not good at, as determined from the play history data 330 of that user. Alternatively, they may be scenes that other users other than the first user and second user are good at or not good at. Depending on this information about the content of the proxy play, the part of the playback time axis 22 that corresponds to a scene that meets the predetermined conditions may be changed to a color, shape, or pattern corresponding to the type of scene, or a display object with a color, shape, or pattern corresponding to the type of scene may be displayed.

[0116] (B) Request for proxy play After the replay video has finished playing on the viewing device, the viewing user may be allowed to request proxy play. For example, as shown in the viewing screen W19 of Figure 19, an icon 41 is displayed for the viewing user to request proxy play in their own gameplay from the second user who performed the proxy play in the viewed replay video (in the example of Figure 19, "△△"), and an icon 42 is displayed for the viewing user to offer proxy play to the first user who uploaded the replay video (in the example of Figure 19, "〇〇").

[0117] Icons 41 and 42 may be displayed at any time before the replay video has finished playing, not just after the replay video has finished playing. For example, they may be displayed during playback, while playback is paused, or during specific scenes in playback. They may also be displayed at all times while the replay video is playing. Specific scenes could be, for example, success scenes, specific game progression scenes, comeback scenes, or difficult scenes as defined in the specific scene condition list 340, which are likely to indicate that a proxy play occurred.

[0118] Additionally, Icon 41 may display the username of the second user who performed the proxy play, as well as a logo image, avatar image, or photo of the second user. Icon 42 may display the username of the first user who uploaded the replay video, as well as a logo image, avatar image, or photo of the first user.

[0119] (C) Acquisition of replay video In the above embodiment, the acquisition of replay videos by the server system 1000 is achieved by the game server system 1000, which controls the progress of the game on the user terminal 1500, storing the gameplay video and, in accordance with the user 3's posting operation, extracting part or all of the stored gameplay to create a replay video. Alternatively, this could be achieved by the user terminal 1500 storing the gameplay video, generating a replay video by extracting part or all of the stored gameplay video in accordance with the user 3's operation, and sending it to the server system 1000. Figure 20 shows an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 1500C in this case. In the user terminal 1500C, the game progress control unit 602 of the terminal processing unit 600 has a play video recording control unit 603 that stores the video of game play as play video data 722. The posting control unit 604 has a posting data generation unit 605a and a posting data transmission control unit 605b.

[0120] The posting data generation unit 605a extracts part or all of the gameplay video stored as play video data 722 as replay video data according to the user 3's operation via the operation input unit 502, and generates posting data 750.

[0121] The submission data transmission control unit 605b transmits the submission data 750 to the server system 1000. In other words, the submission data transmission control unit 605b transmits the replay video data to the server system 1000, which controls the provision of replay videos to viewing terminals based on data for replay videos when a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user, and transmits data to the server system 1000 regarding the period during which proxy play occurred and / or the period during which no proxy play occurred.

[0122] The posted data 750 includes, as shown in Figure 21 as an example, at least user information such as username and user ID, a title 344, playback time 345, replay video data 346, and proxy play data 348. The server system 1000 generates posted management data 340 based on the posted data 750 received from the user terminal 1500C.

[0123] (D) Failure to disclose information regarding proxy play If the first user who uploads the replay video meets the specified non-disclosure conditions, information regarding proxy play may not be displayed when the replay video is provided to the viewing device. Information regarding proxy play includes the period of proxy play, the period of non-proxy play, the percentage of time spent on proxy play in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, and the user identification information of the second user. Non-disclosure conditions include, for example, charging more than a certain amount or using specific items. The operation to meet the non-disclosure conditions can be, for example, one of the operations when uploading the replay video.

[0124] (E) Presentation of information regarding proxy gameplay via automated commentary. Furthermore, information regarding proxy play may be provided through publicly available automated commentary synchronized with the playback of the replay video. The commentary may be provided as audio output or as text display. The commentary content can be generated based on the proxy play data 348 of the post management data 340 corresponding to the replay video.

[0125] (F) Whether or not replay videos can be posted Furthermore, the server system 1000 may refuse to accept replay video submissions from users who meet certain conditions, or it may accept replay video submissions from such users but make them unviewable on viewing terminals. Users who meet certain conditions include, for example, users who have performed proxy play more than or equal to a certain value in the number of times or frequency of such performances during a predetermined period in the past, or users who have submitted replay videos of proxy play during a predetermined period in the past more than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0126] Furthermore, the server system 1000 may refuse to accept submissions of replay videos that meet certain conditions, or it may accept submissions of such replay videos but make them unviewable on viewing terminals. Examples of replay videos that meet certain conditions include, for example, replay videos in which the time ratio of the proxy play period to the total playback time is equal to or greater than a certain percentage, replay videos in which the number of times the proxy play has been performed is equal to or greater than a certain number, and replay videos in which the performed proxy play includes specific scenes such as failure scenes. Whether or not a specific scene is included in the proxy play in a replay video can be determined, for example, from the reproduction data 347 of the submission management data 340. In addition, when a second user performs a proxy play, the second user may be allowed to set whether or not to submit (allow / impossible) a replay video containing scenes from that proxy play, and replay videos that the second user has set as unsubmittable may be considered replay videos that meet the certain conditions.

[0127] (G) Target games In the embodiments described above, fighting games were used as an example, but the types of games to which this can be applied are not limited to this. For example, it can be applied to any type of game, such as role-playing games, action games, rhythm games, shooting games, etc. Also, although it was described as a single-player online game, it may also be a multiplayer game.

[0128] (H) Other game system configurations In the above embodiment, the user terminal 1500 is a smartphone, but it may be any other electronic device. For example, a stationary home game console, as shown in Figure 22, may be used as the user terminal 1500A. In this case, the home game console, which is the first terminal, may also have the functions of the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 to perform control related to proxy play.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23 as an example, the first terminal of the first user and the second terminal of the second user may be game controllers in a single stationary home game console configured with a game main unit and multiple game controllers connected via wired or wireless communication. In this case, the user terminals 1500a and 1500b, which are the first and second terminals, each independently have only the functional unit of the operation input unit 502, while the other functional units, namely the image display unit 504, sound output unit 506, communication unit 508, terminal processing unit 600, and terminal storage unit 700, are configured as common functional units. In addition, the game console main unit may have the functions of the game management unit 204 of the server system 1000 to perform control related to proxy play.

[0130] (I) Server System 1000 Alternatively, the two main functions of the server system 1000—a game management function that manages the execution control of games on the user terminal 1500, and a posting management / video provision function that acquires replay video data of gameplay from the user terminal 1500 and makes the replay video viewable on the user terminal 1500—may be implemented in separate server systems. In this case, the former server system (corresponding to the game server) would have the functional unit of the game management section 204 of the server system 100, and the latter server system (corresponding to the posting server) would have the functional unit of the posting management section 210. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1…Game System 1000…Server system 200... Server Processing Unit 202...User Management Department 204...Game Management Department 210... Post Management Department 212... Replay Video Provider 214... Play Period Display Control Unit 216...Playback Time Axis Display Control Unit 218...Replay Notification Control Unit 220...Specific Scene Condition Setting Section 222...Proxy Play Information Section 300... Server storage unit 302…Server Program 304...Game initial settings data 310... List of specific scene conditions 320...User management data 340…Post management data 1500... User terminal 1500a...First terminal, 1500b...Second terminal, 1500c...Viewing terminal 600... Terminal Processing Unit 602...Game Progression Control Unit 604...Posting Control Unit 606... Browsing Control Unit 700... Terminal storage unit 702…Terminal Program 720... Play data 740…Provided data 3…User 3a...First user, 3b...Second user, 3c...Viewing user

Claims

1. A posting management means that receives and manages the posting of data for replay videos when a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user, from the first user's user terminal, A replay video viewing control means controls the provision of viewing of the replay video to a viewing terminal based on the data for the replay video managed by the posting management means, based on whether the first user is a user who meets predetermined conditions based on the proxy play, When the replay video viewing control means provides viewing to the viewing terminal, the play period presentation control means controls the viewing terminal to display the period during which the proxy play was performed and / or the period during which the proxy play was not performed. A computer system equipped with this.

2. The replay video viewing control means determines whether the first user is a user who satisfies the predetermined conditions, based on: 1) a condition based on the number or frequency of proxy play performed by the first user, or 2) a condition based on the number or frequency of data for replay videos of proxy play performed by the first user received by the posting management means. The computer system according to claim 1.

3. A posting management means that receives and manages the posting of data for replay videos when a second user partially plays the game on behalf of a first user, from the first user's user terminal, A replay video viewing control means controls whether or not to provide viewing of the replay video based on the data for the replay video, based on the permission conditions based on the proxy play included in the data for the replay video managed by the posting management means, When the replay video viewing control means provides viewing to the viewing terminal, the play period presentation control means controls the viewing terminal to display the period during which the proxy play was performed and / or the period during which the proxy play was not performed. A computer system equipped with this.

4. The replay video viewing control means controls whether or not to provide the viewing terminal with access to the replay video based on the replay video data, using any of the following as the permission conditions: a) a condition based on the proportion of time of the proxy play included in the managed data for the replay video, b) a condition based on the number of proxy plays included in the managed data for the replay video, or c) a scene condition related to the proxy play included in the managed data for the replay video. The computer system according to claim 3.

5. A playback time axis display control means that controls the display of the playback time axis of the replay video provided for viewing by the replay video viewing control means on the viewing terminal. Furthermore, The play period presentation control means controls the viewing terminal to present the sections corresponding to the proxy play period and / or the non-proxy play period on the playback time axis. The computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A proxy play information presentation control means that controls the display of proxy play information to the viewing terminal, which includes at least one of the following: the time ratio of the proxy play period in the replay video, the length of the proxy play period, and the user identification information of the second user. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.

7. A server system which is a computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned viewing device, A game system that possesses the following features.

Images