Method and apparatus for controlling game

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for controlling a game are disclosed. The method for controlling a game according to an embodiment comprises the operations of: transmitting a control authority request of a first user terminal for a game to one or more second user terminals; receiving, from at least one of the one or more second user terminals, a response message including whether to accept the control authority request; identifying one or more third user terminals having accepted the control authority request among the one or more second user terminals on the basis of the response message; and transmitting control information for controlling the game play of the game executed in each of the one or more third user terminals to the one or more third user terminals on the basis of a user input to the first user terminal.

Description

Game control method and device

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to technology for game control.

[0002] In online games such as MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), it is common for multiple users to form user groups, such as clans, guilds, and parties, to play together in order to gain an advantage over other users or to solve in-game quests or battles that are difficult to do alone.

[0003] However, even when multiple users form a user group and play a game together, the gameplay of each user included in the user group is carried out individually by each user. Therefore, there is a problem in that, for example, even in situations where users included in the user group must perform specific actions simultaneously or require collective action within the game, such as changing the game server, reliance must be placed on the gameplay of individual users.

[0004] The disclosed embodiments are intended to provide a game control method and device.

[0005] A game control method according to one embodiment includes: transmitting a control authority request for a game from a first user terminal to one or more second user terminals; receiving a response message including whether to accept the control authority request from at least one of the one or more second user terminals; identifying one or more third user terminals among the one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request based on the response message; and transmitting control information to the one or more third user terminals to control gameplay of the game executed on each of the one or more third user terminals based on user input for the first user terminal.

[0006] The first user terminal and the one or more second user terminals may each be a user terminal logged into a different user account for the game.

[0007] The above game control method may further include an operation of identifying a control target in the game based on user input entered into the first user terminal for setting a control target.

[0008] The operation of transmitting the above control information can transmit the control information to one or more third user terminals based on user input regarding the control target.

[0009] The above control target may include one or more areas included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

[0010] The above-mentioned identifying operation includes an operation to generate a verification image for the control target, and the control authority request may include the verification image.

[0011] The control information may include input information regarding the user input or identification information regarding a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

[0012] The above control authority request may include screen setting information for a game screen displayed on a user terminal that has accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal among the one or more second user terminals.

[0013] A game control method according to one embodiment includes: receiving a request for control authority for a game from a first user terminal; transmitting a response message to the first user terminal including whether to accept the request for control authority; receiving control information generated from the first user terminal based on user input to the first user terminal when the request for control authority is accepted; and controlling gameplay of the game executed on a second user terminal based on the control information.

[0014] The first user terminal and the second user terminal may each be a user terminal logged into a different user account for the game.

[0015] The above control information can be generated based on user input regarding a control target set in the game.

[0016] The above control target may include one or more areas included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

[0017] The above control authority request may include a confirmation image of the control target.

[0018] The control information may include input information regarding the user input or identification information regarding a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

[0019] The above-mentioned controlling operation can control the generation of user input for the second user terminal at the second user terminal or the execution of a game operation corresponding to the identification information at the second user terminal based on the input information.

[0020] The above control authority request may include screen setting information for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal.

[0021] The operation of transmitting the above response message may include: an operation of determining whether the screen settings for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal match the screen setting information when the control authority request is accepted; and an operation of changing the screen settings to match the screen setting information when the screen settings do not match the screen setting information.

[0022] A computing device according to one embodiment comprises: one or more processors; and a memory for storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors transmit a control authority request from a first user terminal for a game to one or more second user terminals, receive a response message including whether to accept the control authority request from at least one of the one or more second user terminals, identify one or more third user terminals among the one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request based on the response message, and transmit control information to the one or more third user terminals for controlling the gameplay of the game executed on each of the one or more third user terminals based on user input for the first user terminal.

[0023] The first user terminal and the one or more second user terminals may each be a user terminal logged into a different user account for the game.

[0024] The above one or more processors can identify a control target in the game based on user input entered into the first user terminal for setting a control target.

[0025] The above one or more processors can transmit the control information to the above one or more third user terminals based on user input regarding the control target.

[0026] The above control target may include one or more areas included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

[0027] One or more processors above generate a verification image for the control target, and the control authority request may include the verification image.

[0028] The control information may include input information regarding the user input or identification information regarding a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

[0029] The above control authority request may include screen setting information for a game screen displayed on a user terminal that has accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal among the one or more second user terminals.

[0030] A computing device according to one embodiment includes one or more processors; and a memory for storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors receive a request for control authority for a game from a first user terminal, transmit a response message to the first user terminal including whether to accept the request for control authority, and if the request for control authority is accepted, receive control information generated from the first user terminal based on user input to the first user terminal, and control the gameplay of the game executed on a second user terminal based on the control information.

[0031] The first user terminal and the second user terminal may each be a user terminal logged into a different user account for the game.

[0032] The above control information can be generated based on user input regarding a control target set in the game.

[0033] The above control target may include one or more areas included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

[0034] The above control authority request may include a confirmation image of the control target.

[0035] The control information may include input information regarding the user input or identification information regarding a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

[0036] The above one or more processors can control, based on the input information, to generate user input for the second user terminal at the second user terminal or to execute a game operation corresponding to the identification information at the second user terminal.

[0037] The above control authority request may include screen setting information for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal.

[0038] When the control authority request is accepted, the above one or more processors determine whether the screen settings for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal match the screen setting information, and if the screen settings do not match the screen setting information, they can change the screen settings to match the screen setting information.

[0039] According to the disclosed embodiments, by enabling a user who has acquired control authority over another user's gameplay to control another user's gameplay through operation of their own user terminal, it is possible to control the gameplay of multiple users at once by one user who has acquired control authority in situations where multiple users must simultaneously perform specific actions within the game or where group action within the game is required.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers and one or more user terminals for a game service.

[0041] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate exemplary cases of providing a game-related user experience using multiple user terminals.

[0042] FIGS. 3A, FIGS. 3B, FIGS. 3C, and FIGS. 3D illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a first user terminal according to an additional embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a second user terminal that receives a control authority request from a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a second user terminal that receives a control authority request from a first user terminal according to an additional embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the screen settings of a second game screen based on screen setting information according to one embodiment.

[0049] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are drawings for exemplarily illustrating a control authority request according to one embodiment.

[0050] FIGS. 12 to 15 are drawings for exemplarily explaining a control process according to a game control method according to one embodiment.

[0051] FIGS. 16 and FIGS. 18 are drawings for exemplarily illustrating the setting of a control target and the acceptance of a control authority request according to one embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of interconnected servers (e.g., servers (110, 120)) and one or more user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152)) for providing game services.

[0053] A server (e.g., servers (110, 120)) may include a computer designed to provide the functions of a server, such as a workstation. Embodiments are not limited thereto, and a server may include a personal computer configured to run a software application, and / or a combination of said personal computers. A server may include a group (or cluster) of the illustrated workstations and / or personal computers.

[0054] In one embodiment, a service provider may use a server to provide or operate an automated service. The service may include a game service. The game service may be provided for network-based playing of games such as RPG (role playing game), MMORPG (massive multi-user online RPG), FPS (first person shooter), and / or puzzle. Through the game service, different users (e.g., users of the game service) may be connected to each other via a network, cooperate, or compete. The server may support or execute functions related to the game service (e.g., matching users, providing a virtual space (130) such as a battlefield, trading of virtual items such as a market, and / or chatting between users).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, servers (110, 120) included in a network to provide different services are illustrated. A server (110) may be configured to relay a connection between a user and various game services provided through the network (e.g., game services provided by the server (120)). Services provided through the server (110) may be referred to as game platform services, game launching services, game publishing services, and / or game relay services.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, a server (110) may cause a server (120) for providing game services to provide a user experience related to said game services to a user of a game platform service. The server (110) may store information in a user database related to users of the game platform service indicating one or more game services to which said users have subscribed. The information may further include information for the server (110) to access another server for game services such as the server (120) (e.g., account information for logging into said game service, and / or authentication information).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the server (110) may store information representing at least one game service subscribed to by users of the game platform service in a user database. The user database may include records having units of users subscribed to the game platform service. The records may include at least one game service subscribed to by the corresponding user, and / or information for accessing (or logging in to) said at least one game service.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, users (U1, U2) of a game platform service provided by a server (110) are illustrated. A user (U1) who owns user terminals (141, 142, 143) and a user (U2) who owns user terminals (151, 152) are illustrated, but the number of users of the server (110) and the number of user terminals owned by each of the users are not limited thereto. Users of the game platform service may be referred to as users.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, various appearances of a user terminal (or user equipment) are illustrated. The user terminal may include a smartphone (e.g., user terminals (141, 152)), a smartpad, and / or a tablet PC. The user terminal may include a personal computer such as a desktop (e.g., user terminals (142, 151)) and a laptop. The user terminal may include a portable gaming device (e.g., user terminal (143)) dedicated to game services, and / or a gaming console. The user terminal may include smart accessories such as a smart watch and / or a head-mounted device (HMD). Embodiments of the user terminal are not limited thereto.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1, a user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a server (110) using at least one of user terminals (141, 142, 143). Similarly, a user (U2) can access the game platform service using at least one of user terminals (151, 152). A software application for communicating with the server (110) may be installed on at least one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152). The software application may be referred to as a game platform application, a game platform program, a game launcher, and / or a client application.

[0061] Hereinafter, the connection relationship between the user terminal (141) and the server (110) and between the user terminal (141) and the server (120) is explained using the user terminal (141), which is one of the user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152), as an example.

[0062] For example, by using a user terminal (141) that has launched a game launcher, a user (U1) can access a game platform service provided by a server (110). The user terminal (141) that has launched the game launcher can establish a communication link (L1) between the user terminal (141) and the server (110). The communication link (L1) may include a logical connection (e.g., a logical connection distinguished by a session) established for data communication between the user terminal (141) and the server (110) within a network. Similarly, in response to an input from a user (U2) to launch the game launcher of the user terminal (151), the user terminal (151) can establish a communication link (L2) between the server (110) and the user terminal (151).

[0063] A server (110) that detects a user terminal (141) that has launched a game launcher using a communication link (L1) can verify the user account logged into the user terminal (141). By comparing the user database stored in the server (110) with authentication information (e.g., ID, password, PIN (personal identification number), and / or OTP (one-time password)) transmitted from the user terminal (141), the server (110) can authenticate the user (U1) who launched the game launcher on the user terminal (141). Based on the authentication, the user terminal (141) can display a screen provided by the game launcher. For example, the state of the user terminal (141) launching the game launcher may include a state before authenticating the user (U1) (e.g., a locked state, and / or a state before logging in) and a state after authenticating the user (U1). A screen displayed by a user terminal (141) based on the above authentication, and / or a function provided to a user (U1), is described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, with the users (U1, U2) of user terminals (141, 151) connected to the server (110) via communication links (L1, L2) authenticated, the server (110) can support interactions between the users (U1, U2). For example, the server (110) can support the transmission (e.g., streaming) and / or reception of messages (e.g., text messages), images, videos, sounds (e.g., voice chat), and / or posts between the users (U1, U2). The server (110), configured to provide game platform services, can execute or support functions related to the online activities of the users (U1, U2) associated with the game.

[0065] When accessing a game platform service using a user terminal (141), the user (U1) can access a game service connected to the game platform service. For example, a user terminal (141) running a game launcher can receive an input for accessing a game service. In response to an input for accessing a game service detected by the game launcher, the user terminal (141) can transmit a signal related to said input to a server (110) via a communication link (L1). Upon receiving said signal, the server (110) can communicate with a server (120) providing a game service indicated by said signal. For example, using a communication link (L3) established between servers (110, 120), the server (110) can transmit information related to the user (U1) logged into the game platform service (e.g., authentication information required for the server (120) providing the game service to authenticate the user (U1). Based on the authentication of the user (U1) using the above information, a communication link (L4) between the user terminal (141) of the user (U1) and the server (120) can be established.

[0066] Similarly, from a user terminal (151) to which a user (U2) is logged in, the server (110) may receive a signal indicating the reception of an input for accessing the game service. Upon receiving the signal, the server (110) may transmit a signal to the server (120) via a communication link (L2) that causes the establishment of a communication link (L5) between the user terminal (151) and the server (120). Through the communication link (L5) established by the signal, direct communication between the user terminal (151) and the server (120) may be performed. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and indirect communication between the server (120) providing the game service and the user terminal (151) may be performed using communication links (L2, L3).

[0067] As described above, with communication links (L4, L5) established between the user terminals and the server (120) so that the game service is provided to each user terminal (e.g., user terminals (141, 151)) of the users (U1, U2), the server (120) for providing the game service can transmit information about at least a portion of the virtual space (130) to each user terminal. For example, the server (120) can transmit information (e.g., information for rendering said portion of the virtual space (130)) to the user terminal (141) of the user (U1) regarding a portion of the virtual space (130) including a location (A) associated with said user (U1). For example, the server (120) can transmit information regarding another portion of the virtual space (130) including a location (B) associated with said user (U2) to the user terminal (151) of the user (U2).

[0068] Although exemplary operations have been described in which a user (e.g., users (U1, U2)) accesses a game service using a server (110) that provides a game platform service, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a user may directly access a server (120) for a game service without a server (110) by using a game application installed on a user terminal.

[0069] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b, exemplary operations of a user terminal and / or server associated with a communication link connected for a game service and / or a game platform service are described. For example, exemplary operations of a server (110) based on a user (U1) and a user terminal (142) are described, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0070] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate an exemplary case of providing a user experience related to a game using a plurality of user terminals (e.g., user terminals (141, 142)). Referring to FIGS. 2a through 2c, an exemplary state is illustrated in which communication links (L1, L3, L4) are established between a server (110) for a game platform service, a server (120) for a game service, and a user terminal (142). The server (110) may communicate with the server (120) according to the operation described with reference to FIG. 1 to establish a communication link (L4) between the server (120) and the user terminal (142). For communication between the server (110) and the user terminal (142), a game launcher related to the game platform service may be executed on the user terminal (142).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2a through 2c, a user terminal (142) that has executed a game launcher can execute the game application in response to an input for executing the game application. The user terminal (142) that has executed the game application can display a screen (210) provided by the game application. An exemplary screen (210) including a player character (PC) (215) controllable by an input received through the user terminal (142) is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. By using a signal received from a server (120) via a communication link (L4), the user terminal (142) can display a screen (210) including a PC (215) included in a virtual space (130).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2a, a user terminal (142) running a game application can output a screen (210) to a user (U1) and receive input related to the game (e.g., input for controlling a PC (215)) from the user (U1). Upon receiving the input, the user terminal (142) can transmit a first signal indicating the input to a server (120) via a communication link (L4). The user terminal (142) can further receive a second signal from the server (120) via the communication link (L4) indicating the state of a virtual space (130) and / or a PC (215) that has been changed by the input. Upon receiving the second signal, the user terminal (142) can change the screen (210) at least partially. For example, the user terminal (142) can play an animation related to the PC (215) within the screen (210).

[0073] When input for executing a game application is received through a game launcher, the user terminal (142) can execute the game application in conjunction with the game launcher. By utilizing the above conjunction, the user terminal (142) can execute a function of the game launcher based on the state of the game application. The above function may include an operation of transmitting a signal to the server (110) to inform the state (e.g., streaming of a screen (210) for live broadcasting). The above function may include a remote play function of the game application executed on the user terminal (142) using a different user terminal from the user terminal (142).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2b, user terminals (141, 142) connected to each other for a remote play function are illustrated. The user terminals (141, 142) may be connected via a short-range wireless communication protocol such as Wi-Fi Direct and / or Bluetooth. The embodiments are not limited thereto, and the user terminals (141, 142) may be connected to each other via a cellular protocol such as LTE (long-term evolution), 5G NR (new radio), 6G, and / or above-6G. It is assumed that a game launcher is installed on all of the user terminals (141, 142) and that authentication of the user (U1) on each of the user terminals (141, 142) based on the game launcher is completed.

[0075] When a game application is executed on a user terminal (141) that has relatively limited resources, such as a smartphone, the quality of the user experience related to the game may be reduced. The quality may be evaluated by indicators such as frames-per-second (fps), response delay, and / or resolution. The quality of the user experience when the game application is executed on a desktop user terminal (142) may be better than the quality of the user experience when the game application is executed on a user terminal (141). Referring to FIG. 2b, the user terminal (142) may transmit a screen (220) generated (or rendered) by the processing circuit (e.g., GPU (graphic processing unit)) of the user terminal (142) to the user terminal (141). The operation of transmitting the screen (220) may include the operation of transmitting a bitstream representing the screen (220) through a communication link (L6) (e.g., streaming).

[0076] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2b where the user terminal (142) displays the screen (220) to the user terminal (141), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) on the display based on the execution of the game launcher. For example, without the installation and / or execution of a game application for communicating with the server (120), the user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) related to the game service provided by the server (120) on the display. The user terminal (141) can display the screen (220) provided by the user terminal (142) based on the execution of the game launcher.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2b, in one embodiment in which a user terminal (142) generates a screen (220) to be displayed by a user terminal (141), the user terminal (142) may display a screen (220) that includes a UI associated with the user terminal (141), which is a smartphone. The UI may include a virtual joystick that includes a circular visual object (222) that can be dragged (or moved) by touch input on a circular area (221). The UI may include a group (223) of touchable visual objects that can control the state of the PC (215). Comparing FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the screen (210) of FIG. 2a, which is displayed through the display of the desktop user terminal (142), may not include the visual object (222) and / or group (223). In the state of transmitting a screen (220) to a user terminal (141) which is a smartphone, the user terminal (141) that receives the screen (220) may superimpose an area (221) containing a visual object (222) and a group (223) on the screen (220). For example, a screen (225) displayed on the display of the user terminal (141) may further include a visual object (222), an area (221), and a group (223) to guide touch input.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 2b, while displaying a screen (225) based on a screen (220) provided by a user terminal (142), the user terminal (141) may receive input from a user (U1) related to the screen (225). In response to said input, the user terminal (141) may transmit a signal indicating said input to the user terminal (142). Upon receiving said signal, the user terminal (142) may communicate with a server (120) to change the state of the virtual space (130) and / or PC (215) at least partially using said input corresponding to said signal. The user (U1) may view the screen (220) expressing the state of the virtual space (130) and / or PC (215) that has been changed at least partially through the user terminal (141).

[0079] As described above, an embodiment has been described in which a server (120) and a user terminal (142) for providing the game service of FIG. 2b communicate directly, and a user terminal (141) communicates indirectly with the server (120) using the user terminal (142), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a user terminal (141) that receives input from a user (U1) related to a screen (225) may transmit a signal containing information related to said input to the server (120) via a communication link (L7). The signal may be transmitted directly to the server (120) independently of the communication links (L4, L6) established by the user terminal (142). For example, to reduce the delay in the input of the user (U1) or to improve the responsiveness of the game service provided by the server (120), the user terminal (141) may transmit the signal via the communication link (L7). A server (120) that receives the above signal may transmit a signal (or information) indicating the state of the virtual space (130) changed based on the above signal to a user terminal (142) via a communication link (L4). A user terminal (142) that receives the above signal may perform rendering of a screen (220) to be provided to a user terminal (141) via a communication link (L6). After a signal related to the rendered screen (220) is transmitted to the user terminal (141) via the communication link (L6), the user terminal (141) may display a screen (225) based on the above signal (e.g., a screen in which visual objects (222), regions (221), and groups (223) are superimposed on the screen (220).

[0080] For example, if the communication link (L6) between user terminals (141, 142) is blocked, the user terminal (141) may establish at least one of a direct communication link (L7) between the server (120) for providing game services and the user terminal (141) and / or a direct communication link (L8) between the server (110) for providing game platform services and the user terminal (141).

[0081] Although the operation of transmitting a signal displaying a screen (220) between user terminals (141, 142) that are commonly logged in by user (U1) has been described, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a user terminal (142) may transmit a signal displaying a screen (220) to user terminals of other users logged in to the server (110) through the server (110). The function of the user terminal (142) transmitting the signal to user terminals of other users logged in to the server (110) may be referred to as a broadcasting function.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 2c, a server (230) for cloud gaming can be connected to a user terminal (142). For example, if a request to provide a cloud-based game service is identified from the user terminal (142), the server (110) may request the server (230) to provide a cloud service based on the server (230). The request may be transmitted to the server (230) via a communication link (L9) between the server (110) and the server (230). In response to the request, the server (230) may establish a communication link (L10) between the server (120) and the server (230) for the game service and a communication link (L11) between the server (120) and the user terminal (142). The request transmitted via the communication link (L9) may include information related to the user terminal (142) that transmitted the request and / or the game service.

[0083] In one embodiment, the server (230) may perform rendering of a screen (210) to be displayed on a user terminal (142). The server (230) may transmit a signal (or bitstream) related to the screen (210) rendered by the server (230) to the user terminal (142) through a communication link (L11) between the user terminal (142) and the server (230). Upon receiving the signal, the user terminal (142) may display the screen (210) that appears due to the signal on a display.

[0084] In the exemplary state of FIG. 2c, a user terminal (142) displaying a screen (210) may receive user input related to the screen (210). In response to user input received from a user (U1), the user terminal (142) may transmit a signal indicating said user input to a server (230) via a communication link (L11). Upon receiving said signal, the server (230) may execute a function related to said user input. The server (230) that executes said function may, for example, communicate with a server (110) via a communication link (L10) and include an operation to at least partially change the state of a virtual space (130) provided by the server (110). For example, the server (230) that executes said function may include an operation to re-render the screen (210) to be transmitted to the user terminal (142) based on the partially changed state of the virtual space (130). For example, the server (230) that executed the above function may further transmit signals related to the re-rendered screen (210) through the communication link (L11).

[0085] As described above, by using a game launcher, a user terminal (141) can display a screen (220) of a game application running on another user terminal (in one embodiment of FIG. 2b, a user terminal (142)) and can respond to interactions of a user (U1) related to the screen (220). The user terminal (141) can perform graphic rendering (e.g., visualization of three-dimensional graphic objects) indirectly using the resources of the user terminal (142). Even if the user terminal (141) does not have the capacity required to install the game application (e.g., available capacity of flash storage) or the user terminal (141) does not have the resources required to run the game application (e.g., specifications of a GPU and / or CPU), the user terminal (141) running the game launcher can provide a user experience related to the game application.

[0086] Below, with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d, exemplary functions supported by a user terminal running a game launcher are described.

[0087] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D illustrate exemplary functions supported by a game launcher executed by a user terminal (e.g., user terminals of FIG. 1 (141, 142, 143, 151, 152)). Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3D, exemplary states (301, 302, 303, 304) of a screen displayed by a user terminal that has executed the game launcher are illustrated. After completing authentication of the user of the user terminal using the game launcher, the user terminal may display the exemplary screens illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3D. Referring to FIG. 3A, the user terminal displaying the screen provided by the game launcher may display visual objects (311, 312, 313, 314) corresponding to each of the options for adjusting the mode of the screen. For example, a visual object (311) may support a function for outputting a list of multiple game applications executable by a user terminal. For example, a visual object (312) may support a function for outputting a list of one or more game applications installed on a user terminal. For example, a visual object (313) may support a function for executing a messenger service based on a game platform service. For example, a visual object (314) may support a function for executing a community service for users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0088] In a state (301) where a first option corresponding to a visual object (311) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for downloading game applications that can be executed using a game launcher. In a state (302) where a second option corresponding to a visual object (312) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen related to one or more game applications installed on the user terminal. In a state (303) where a third option corresponding to a visual object (313) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for exchanging messages (e.g., sending and / or receiving messages) between users logged into the game platform service. In a state (304) where a fourth option corresponding to a visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal may provide a screen for exchanging information (e.g., posts) between users subscribed to the game platform service.

[0089] Within the area (315) of the screen in FIG. 3a, the user terminal may display a list of game applications. The list may be provided by a server providing game platform services (e.g., the server (110) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, and / or FIG. 2b). One or more icons (e.g., icon (319)) displayed in the area (315) may correspond to specific game applications included in the list. For example, in response to an input to select an icon (319), the user terminal may display a UI on the screen for downloading a game application corresponding to the icon (319).

[0090] In a state (301) in which a list of game applications is displayed through an area (315), the user terminal may display visual objects (316, 317, 318) for filtering game applications included in the list. A visual object (316) may correspond to an option to display all game applications included in the list in the area (315). A visual object (317) may correspond to an option to display a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a personal computer within the area (315) among the game applications included in the list. A visual object (318) may correspond to an option to display a sub-list of one or more game applications executable on a smartphone within the area (315) among the one or more game applications included in the list.

[0091] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing a screen in which a first option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a first visual object (311) capable of outputting a list of game applications that can be executed on a user terminal, for example.

[0092] Referring to the exemplary screen of FIG. 3a, a user terminal may display a visual object (320) mapped to a function for streaming the screen of a game application executed using a game launcher. For example, in response to an input for selecting the visual object (320), the user terminal may display a list of other user terminals to which the user of the user terminal (e.g., users (U1, U2) of FIG. 1) is logged in. For example, if the input is received while streaming the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that the screen of the game application is being streamed. For example, if the input is received while preparing to stream the screen of the game application, the user terminal may display a pop-up window indicating that the streaming of the screen of the game application is scheduled to start. The example pop-up window may include a button and / or a hyperlink for receiving an input to stop or restart the streaming of the screen of the game application. A user terminal that receives input for selecting another user terminal from the above list can execute a function of transmitting a signal related to a screen to the other user terminal selected by the input. FIG. 3b is a drawing showing a screen in which a second option is executed in the game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (312) that can provide a screen related to a game application installed on the user terminal, for example.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3b, when a second option corresponding to a visual object (312) is selected (302), the user terminal can display a list of game applications installed on the user terminal. The user terminal can display an area (324) and visual objects (321, 322, 323) for switching the UI displayed in the area (324). When a visual object (321) is selected (302), the user terminal can display visual objects representing each of the game applications installed on the user terminal (e.g., visual objects corresponding to game application A and game application B) in the area (324). When a visual object (321) is selected (302), the user terminal can further display a visual object (329) for switching to a state (301) for downloading game applications, along with visual objects corresponding to each of the game applications installed on the user terminal in the area (324).

[0094] Visual objects (322, 323) different from the visual object (321) may each correspond to game applications installed on the user terminal. For example, the visual object (322) may correspond to game application A installed on the user terminal, and the visual object (323) may correspond to game application B installed on the user terminal. For example, in response to an input to select the visual object (322), the user terminal may display a UI related to game application A in the area (324). The UI may include a visual object for executing game application A.

[0095] In response to an input for selecting a visual object (313), the user terminal may display a screen displayed in the state (303) of FIG. 3c. The screen may be displayed superimposed on a screen running for a game launcher (e.g., a pop-up window).

[0096] FIG. 3c is a drawing showing a screen in which a third option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a third visual object (313) that can provide a screen for exchanging messages between users of a game platform service, for example.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 3c, within the screen, the user terminal may display a list (331) of game applications to which the user logged into the user terminal is subscribed. The list (331) may include chat channels corresponding to each of the game applications and / or chat channels provided through the game service. For example, chat channels provided through the game service may include a chat channel dedicated to a guild (or party) provided through the game service, and a one-on-one chat channel (e.g., a whisper channel) that appears through the user account of the user terminal. Within an area (332) of the exemplary screen in FIG. 3c, the user terminal may display one or more messages that have been transmitted or received through any one of the chat channels. The user terminal may display visual objects (333, 334, 335) for transmitting text, emoticons, and / or images (or videos) to the chat channel corresponding to the area (332). The user terminal can display a visual object (336) for uploading text entered into a visual object (333), which is a text box, to the chat channel. Through the screen of FIG. 3c, the user terminal can display a visual object (337) mapped to a function for adding a new chat channel.

[0098] FIG. 3d is a drawing showing a screen in which a fourth option is executed in a game launcher of a user terminal by selecting a visual object (314) that can create a post among users of a game platform service, for example.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 3d, in a state (304) where a fourth option corresponding to a visual object (314) is selected, the user terminal can provide a list of posts registered in the game platform service. The user terminal can provide the list through an area (342) within the screen. For example, an element (345) within the area (342) may correspond to a specific post included in the list. In response to an input for selecting an element (345), the user terminal can display a post corresponding to the element (345) within the screen. The user terminal can display visual objects in the area (341) to filter the posts displayed in the area (342). The visual objects displayed in the area (341) may correspond to hashtags (or index words) assigned to each of the posts. For example, a visual object (344) may be displayed to provide a list of posts containing exemplary hashtags (e.g., hashtags containing the string “#UPDATE”) through area (342). For example, a visual object (343) may be displayed to provide a list of all posts in area (342) by deselecting the hashtags displayed through area (341).

[0100] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, each component may have different functions and capabilities in addition to those described below, and may include additional components in addition to those described below.

[0102] The illustrated computing environment (10) includes a computing device (12). The computing device (12) is for performing a method according to the embodiments described below and may be, for example, one of servers (110, 120) and user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152), or one or more components included in at least one of servers (110, 120) and user terminals (141, 142, 143, 151, 152).

[0103] A computing device (12) includes at least one processor (14), a computer-readable storage medium (16), and a communication bus (18). The processor (14) may enable the computing device (12) to operate according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the processor (14) may execute one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16). The one or more programs may include one or more computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions may be configured to enable the computing device (12) to perform operations according to exemplary embodiments when executed by the processor (14).

[0104] A computer-readable storage medium (16) is configured to store computer-executable instructions or program code, program data and / or other suitable forms of information. A program (20) stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16) includes a set of instructions executable by a processor (14). In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium (16) may be memory (volatile memory such as random access memory, non-volatile memory, or a suitable combination thereof), one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other forms of storage media that are accessed by a computing device (12) and capable of storing desired information, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0105] The communication bus (18) interconnects various other components of the computing device (12), including the processor (14) and the computer-readable storage medium (16).

[0106] The computing device (12) may also include one or more input / output interfaces (22) and one or more network communication interfaces (26) that provide interfaces for one or more input / output devices (24). The input / output interfaces (22) and network communication interfaces (26) are connected to a communication bus (18). The input / output devices (24) may be connected to other components of the computing device (12) through the input / output interfaces (22). An exemplary input / output device (24) may include an input device such as a pointing device (such as a mouse or trackpad), a keyboard, a touch input device (such as a touchpad or touchscreen), a voice or sound input device, various types of sensor devices and / or imaging devices, and / or an output device such as a display device, a printer, a speaker and / or a network card. An exemplary input / output device (24) may be included inside the computing device (12) as a component constituting the computing device (12), or it may be connected to the computing device (12) as a separate device distinct from the computing device (12).

[0107] Meanwhile, in the following description, 'user group' may refer to participants in a group play room established for multiple users playing a game to share their gameplay screens with one another. In this case, the group play room may be provided by, for example, a game service or a game platform service, but may also be provided by various other services associated with various game services.

[0108] However, user groups are not necessarily limited to the examples described above, and may include, for example, groups of users formed temporarily or indefinitely to play games together or to communicate with each other through game screen sharing, message exchange, voice chat, video chat, etc. while playing the same game, such as guilds, parties, clans, and blood alliances.

[0109] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the first user terminal transmits a request for control authority for the game to one or more second user terminals (510).

[0111] At this time, the first user terminal and one or more second user terminals may each be user terminals logged into different user accounts for the game.

[0112] Additionally, each user of the first user terminal and one or more second user terminals may be a user included in the same user group.

[0113] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, a control authority request may include screen setting information for a game screen displayed on a user terminal that has accepted a control authority request from a first user terminal among one or more second user terminals.

[0114] Specifically, according to one embodiment, the screen setting information may include at least one of a screen resolution to be applied to a game screen of a user terminal that has accepted a control authority request from a first user terminal, and one or more setting values ​​to be applied to a screen operation element displayed on a game screen of a user terminal that has accepted a control authority request from a first user terminal.

[0115] In this case, according to one embodiment, a screen operation element may refer to a graphic element displayed on a game screen to enable a pre-set game action to be executed within the game based on user input to the screen operation element. For example, the screen operation element may include a UI element (e.g., movement button, skill use button, etc.) that causes a user character to perform a specific action (e.g., movement, skill use, attack, etc.) according to user input, a UI element (e.g., menu icon) that displays a menu screen to provide specific functions within the game (e.g., changing game server, item trading, item crafting, environment settings, etc.), a UI element (e.g., ability check button, skill description button, etc.) that displays specific information (e.g., user character's ability stats, item information for a specific item, skill description for a specific skill, etc.), and a UI element whose display state changes (e.g., toggle switch, check box, radio button, dropdown menu, etc.). However, screen manipulation elements are not necessarily limited to UI elements such as the examples described above, and may include various graphic elements that are displayed on the game screen and can interact with the user based on user input, such as NPCs (Non-Player Characters) and user characters.

[0116] Meanwhile, one or more setting values ​​to be applied to screen manipulation elements may include, for example, setting values ​​for the position, size, etc. of the screen manipulation elements, but in addition to this, they may include various setting values ​​to ensure that the screen manipulation elements displayed on the game screen of the user terminal that accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal match the screen manipulation elements displayed on the game screen of the first user terminal (hereinafter referred to as the 'first game screen').

[0117] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the first user terminal can generate screen setting information based on screen settings applied to the first game screen. Specifically, the first user terminal can generate screen setting information that matches the screen settings applied to the first game screen. For example, if the resolution of the first game screen is 1920×1080 and the UI size ratio displayed on the first game screen is 70%, the screen setting information may include values ​​identical to the resolution of the first game screen and the UI size ratio displayed on the first game screen.

[0118] Afterwards, the first user terminal receives a response message from at least one of the one or more second user terminals, including whether to accept the first user terminal's request for control authority (520).

[0119] Afterward, the first user terminal identifies one or more third user terminals among one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal based on the received response message (530).

[0120] Afterwards, the first user terminal transmits control information to one or more third user terminals to control gameplay of a game running on each of one or more third user terminals based on user input to the first user terminal (540).

[0121] In this case, according to one embodiment, user input for the first user terminal may be obtained through an input device provided in the first user terminal or connected to the first user terminal via wired or wireless connection. For example, user input for the first user terminal may include mouse input using a mouse (e.g., mouse movement, left click, right click, double click, scroll, drag, etc.), touch input using a touch screen or touch pad (e.g., touch gestures such as tap, double tap, press, swipe, pinch, flick, etc.), and key input using a game pad or keyboard. However, user input for the first user terminal is not limited to the examples described above and may vary depending on the input device used by the user of the first user terminal for game play.

[0122] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, user input to the first user terminal may be user input to one or more locations on the first game screen. For example, user input to the first user terminal may be mouse input or touch input occurring at one or more locations on the first game screen.

[0123] According to another embodiment, user input for the first user terminal may be user input for one or more screen operation elements displayed on the first game screen. In this case, user input for the screen operation elements may refer to user input for operating the screen operation elements. For example, user input for the screen operation elements may be mouse input or touch input for the location where the screen operation elements are displayed. As another example, user input for the screen operation elements may include key input for a specific key pre-mapped for operating the screen operation elements among the keys included in a game pad or keyboard.

[0124] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the control information may include input information regarding user input to the first user terminal.

[0125] Specifically, according to one embodiment, when a user input to a first user terminal is a user input to one or more locations on a first game screen, the input information may include information regarding the input form and the location where the input occurs of the user input.

[0126] At this time, the input form of the user input may be, for example, a click, double click, drag, tab, double tap, swipe, etc., and information about the input form of the user input may include an identification value for the input form of the user input.

[0127] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the input occurrence location of the user input may include one or more locations depending on the form of the user input. For example, if the user input is a click or a touch, the input occurrence location of the user input may include the location where the click or touch occurred on the first game screen. As another example, if the user input is a user input that moves on the first game screen while the touch or click is maintained, such as a drag or a swipe, the input occurrence location of the user input may include the starting location of the user input on the first game screen (e.g., a drag starting location, a swipe starting location), the ending location of the user input, and one or more locations on the movement path of the user input. As yet another example, if the user input is a multi-touch input such as a pinch, it may include each location touched by the multi-touch on the first game screen.

[0128] Meanwhile, information regarding the location where user input occurs may include coordinate values ​​regarding the location where user input occurs on the first game screen. In this case, the coordinate values ​​may include, for example, coordinate values ​​in the entire area of ​​the display screen where the first game screen is displayed. In this case, the coordinate values ​​may be absolute coordinate values ​​based on the resolution of the display screen or relative coordinate values ​​independent of the resolution of the display screen. For example, if the resolution of the display screen is 1920×1080, the coordinate values ​​may be absolute coordinate values ​​including X-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 1919 and Y-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 1079, or relative coordinate values ​​in which the X-axis coordinate values ​​and Y-axis coordinate values ​​included in the absolute coordinate values ​​are each normalized to values ​​within a specific range (e.g., 0 to 1).

[0129] As another example, the coordinate values ​​may be coordinate values ​​within the area where the first game screen is displayed on the display screen. In this case, the coordinate values ​​may be absolute coordinate values ​​based on the resolution of the game screen and the size of the area where the first game screen is displayed, or relative coordinate values ​​independent of the resolution of the display screen and the size of the area where the first game screen is displayed. For example, if the resolution of the display screen is 1920×1080 and the display mode of the first game screen is a full-screen mode that is displayed over the entire area of ​​the display screen, the coordinate values ​​may be absolute coordinate values ​​including X-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 1919 and Y-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 1079, or relative coordinate values ​​in which the X-axis coordinate values ​​and Y-axis coordinate values ​​included in the absolute coordinate values ​​are each normalized to values ​​within a specific range (e.g., 0 to 1). As another example, if the display mode of the first game screen is a window mode that is displayed in a part of the display screen and the size of the area where the first game screen is displayed is 600×500, the coordinate values ​​may be absolute coordinate values ​​including X-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 599 and Y-axis coordinate values ​​between 0 and 499, or relative coordinate values ​​in which the X-axis coordinate values ​​and Y-axis coordinate values ​​included in the absolute coordinate values ​​are each normalized to values ​​within a specific range (e.g., 0 to 1).

[0130] Meanwhile, information regarding the location where input occurs is not necessarily limited to the coordinate values ​​described above, and may include various information that can be used to determine the location where user input occurs on the first game screen in addition to the coordinate values ​​described above.

[0131] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, if user input to a first user terminal is user input to one or more screen manipulation elements displayed on a first game screen, the input information may include information regarding the screen manipulation element manipulated by the user input and the input form of the user input to the screen manipulation element. For example, information regarding the manipulated screen manipulation element may include an identification value for the manipulated screen manipulation element. In this case, the identification value for the screen manipulation element may be a value pre-set within the game, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may include various values ​​that can be used to identify the screen manipulation element manipulated by user input on the first game screen in the game screen of each of one or more third user terminals that have accepted the request for control authority of the first user terminal for the game.

[0132] Meanwhile, the input form of user input for screen operation elements may be, for example, a click, double click, drag, tab, double tap, swipe, or key input for a specific key on the keyboard, and information regarding the input form of user input may include an identification value for the input form of user input.

[0133] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the control information may include identification information regarding a game action executed within the game based on user input to a first user terminal. For example, if the user input to the first user terminal is user input regarding a game control element displayed on a first game screen to execute a specific game action within the game, the control information may include identification information regarding a game action executed according to said user input. In this case, the identification information regarding the game action may include a pre-assigned identification value, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may include various information that can be used to ensure that the same game action is executed on each of one or more third user terminals that have accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a first user terminal according to an additional embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, the first user terminal identifies a control target in the game based on user input entered into the first user terminal for setting a control target (610).

[0136] According to one embodiment, a control target may be selected based on user input to a first game screen or based on user input to a template screen provided for selecting a control target. In this case, the template screen may be a screen that is pre-generated by a user of the first user terminal or a screen provided within the game for selecting a control target. For example, the template screen may be composed only of UI elements displayed on the game screen or a screen composed only of UI elements included in a menu screen for providing specific functions within the game, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may include various forms of screens that can be used to receive a control target selection from a user of the first user terminal.

[0137] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the control target may be one or more areas included in the game (hereinafter referred to as 'control target areas') or one or more screen operation elements among a plurality of screen operation elements included in the game (hereinafter referred to as 'control target elements').

[0138] Specifically, according to one embodiment, when a user of the first user terminal selects one or more areas on a first game screen, the first user terminal may identify each area selected by the user on the first game screen as a control target area, or identify each of one or more screen operation elements included in each selected area as a control target element.

[0139] According to another embodiment, when a user of the first terminal selects one or more screen operation elements from a first game screen or template screen, the first user terminal can identify each of the one or more screen operation elements selected by the user as a control target element.

[0140] Afterwards, the first user terminal generates a confirmation image for the configured control target (620).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the verification image may be an image that includes a control target and is displayed so that the control target is visually identifiable.

[0142] For example, the confirmation image may be an image in which the control target is displayed so as to be visually identified in a capture image of a first game screen containing the control target.

[0143] As another example, the confirmation image may be an image in which the control target is displayed so as to be visually identifiable within an image that includes a portion of the first game screen containing the control target. In this case, the portion of the first game screen may be an area selected as a public target by the user of the first user terminal on the first game screen. Specifically, the first user may prevent the information from being exposed through the control target confirmation image by selecting the remaining area as a public target, excluding UI elements that display sensitive information such as information related to the user's game character (e.g., level, attack power, defense power, etc.), information related to in-game currency possessed by the user, and information related to items possessed by the user's (U1) game character.

[0144] Meanwhile, as another example, the confirmation image may be an image displayed so that the control target is visually identified on a template screen containing the control target.

[0145] Afterwards, the first user terminal transmits a control authority request containing a confirmation image of the control target to one or more second user terminals (630).

[0146] Afterwards, the first user terminal receives a response message from at least one of the two user terminals, including whether to accept the request for control authority (640).

[0147] Afterward, the first user terminal identifies one or more third user terminals among one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request based on the received response message (650).

[0148] Afterwards, the first user terminal transmits control information to one or more third user terminals to control the gameplay of a game running on each of one or more third user terminals based on user input regarding the control target (660).

[0149] At this time, according to one embodiment, when the control target is a control target area, the first user terminal may determine that user input for the control target has occurred when user input for one or more locations within the control target area occurs on the first game screen.

[0150] According to another embodiment, when the control target is a control target element, the first user terminal may determine that user input regarding the control target has occurred when user input regarding the location where the control target element is displayed on the first game screen occurs.

[0151] According to another embodiment, when the control target is a control target element, the first user terminal may determine that user input for the control target has occurred if user input of the same form as a preset input form for manipulating the control target element (e.g., click, touch, etc.) occurs at a location where the control target element is displayed on the first game screen.

[0152] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, if the control target is a control target area, the control information may include information regarding the input form and input occurrence location of user input for the control target.

[0153] According to another embodiment, when the control target is a control target element, the control information may include information about the control target element manipulated by user input regarding the control target and the input form of the user input regarding the manipulated control target element.

[0154] According to another embodiment, if the control target is a control target element, the control information may include identification information for a game action executed according to user input regarding the control target.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a second user terminal that receives a control authority request from a first user terminal according to one embodiment.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 7, the second user terminal receives a request for control rights to the game from the first user terminal (710).

[0157] Afterwards, the second user terminal sends a response message to the first user terminal including whether to accept the request for control authority (720).

[0158] In this case, according to one embodiment, the second user terminal may display a UI screen including UI elements for receiving a selection from the user of the second user terminal regarding whether to accept a control authority request. In this case, the user of the second user terminal may select whether to accept the control authority request through user input regarding the UI elements displayed on the UI screen.

[0159] Meanwhile, if the user of the second user terminal accepts the control authority request, the second user terminal may send a response message to the first user terminal indicating that the control authority request has been accepted. Conversely, if the user of the second user terminal rejects the control authority request, the second user terminal may send a response message to the first user terminal indicating that the control authority request has been rejected.

[0160] Meanwhile, when the request for control authority is accepted (730), the second user terminal receives control information generated from the first user terminal based on user input to the first user terminal (740), and controls the gameplay of the game running on the second user terminal based on the received control information (750).

[0161] In this case, according to one embodiment, the control information may include input information regarding user input to the first user terminal. In this case, the second user terminal may generate user input to the second user terminal based on the input information.

[0162] Specifically, according to one embodiment, the input information may include information regarding the input form and the location where the input occurs for a user input to a first user terminal. In this case, the second user terminal may, based on the input information, identify a location corresponding to the location where the input occurs included in the input information on a game screen of a game displayed on the second user terminal (hereinafter referred to as the 'second game screen'), and generate a user input corresponding to the input form of the user input included in the input information at the identified location.

[0163] According to another embodiment, the input information may include information regarding a screen manipulation element operated by user input to a first user terminal on a first game screen and the input form of the user input for said screen manipulation element. In this case, the second user terminal may, based on the input information, identify a screen manipulation element on a second game screen that corresponds to the screen manipulation element included in the input information, and generate a user input corresponding to the input form of the user input included in the input information for the identified screen manipulation element.

[0164] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the control information may include identification information for a game action executed on the first user terminal based on user input to the first user terminal. In this case, the second user terminal may control the execution of a game action corresponding to the identification information for the game action on the second user terminal based on the control information.

[0165] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a game control method performed by a second user terminal that receives a control authority request from a first user terminal according to an additional embodiment.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 8, the second user terminal receives a control authorization request from the first user terminal that includes a confirmation image of the control target (810).

[0167] In this case, according to one embodiment, the confirmation image may be an image that includes a control target set by a user of the first user terminal, and is displayed so that the control target is visually identifiable.

[0168] For example, the confirmation image may be an image in which the control target is displayed so as to be visually identified in a capture image of a first game screen containing the control target.

[0169] As another example, the confirmation image may be an image in which the control target is displayed so as to be visually identified in an image that includes a portion of the first game screen containing the control target. In this case, the portion of the first game screen may be an area selected as a public target by the user of the first user terminal on the first game screen.

[0170] As another example, the confirmation image may be an image displayed on a template screen containing the control target so that the control target is visually identified.

[0171] Afterwards, the second user terminal displays a UI screen including UI elements and a confirmation image of the control target to receive a selection from the user of the second user terminal regarding whether to accept the control authority request received from the first user terminal (820).

[0172] Afterwards, the second user terminal sends a response message to the first user terminal including whether to accept the request for control authority based on user input regarding the UI element displayed on the UI screen (830).

[0173] Specifically, if the user of the second user terminal accepts the control authority request, the second user terminal may send a response message to the first user terminal indicating that the control authority request has been accepted. On the other hand, if the user of the second user terminal rejects the control authority request, the second user terminal may send a response message to the first user terminal indicating that the control authority request has been rejected.

[0174] Meanwhile, when the control authority request is accepted (840), the second user terminal receives control information generated based on user input regarding the control target from the first user terminal (850), and controls the gameplay of the game running on the second user terminal based on the received control information (860).

[0175] At this time, according to one embodiment, the control information may include input information regarding user input for a control target included in the first game screen.

[0176] Specifically, according to one embodiment, the input information may include information regarding the input form and the location where the input occurs for a control target included in the first game screen. In this case, the second user terminal may, based on the input information, identify a location on the second game screen corresponding to the location where the input occurs included in the input information, and generate a user input corresponding to the input form of the user input included in the input information at the identified location.

[0177] According to another embodiment, the input information may include information regarding a screen manipulation element operated by user input on a first game screen and the input form of the user input for said screen manipulation element. In this case, the second user terminal may, based on the input information, identify a screen manipulation element on a second game screen that corresponds to the screen manipulation element included in the input information, and generate a user input corresponding to the input form of the user input included in the input information for the identified screen manipulation element.

[0178] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the control information may include identification information for a game action executed on a first user terminal based on user input regarding a control target included in a first game screen. In this case, the second user terminal may control the execution of a game action corresponding to the identification information for the game action on the second user terminal based on the control information.

[0179] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, a control authority request received from a first user terminal may include screen setting information for a second game screen, and in this case, the second user terminal may change the screen settings of the second game screen based on the screen setting information for the second game screen. At this time, the screen setting information may include at least one of a screen resolution to be applied to the second game screen and one or more setting values ​​to be applied to a screen operation element displayed on the second game screen. At this time, the one or more setting values ​​to be applied to the screen operation element may include, for example, setting values ​​for the position, size, etc. of the screen operation element displayed on the second game screen, but may also include various setting values ​​to ensure that the screen operation element displayed on the second game screen matches the screen operation element displayed on the first game screen.

[0180] Specifically, FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of changing the screen settings of a second game screen based on screen setting information according to one embodiment.

[0181] The process illustrated in FIG. 9 can be performed, for example, at step 720 of FIG. 7 or step 830 of FIG. 8.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 9, when the second user terminal accepts a control authority request received from the first user terminal, it determines whether the screen setting of the second game screen matches the screen setting information for the second game screen based on the screen setting information for the second game screen (910).

[0183] If the screen settings of the second game screen do not match the screen setting information for the second game screen, the second user terminal changes the screen settings of the second game screen to match the screen setting information for the second game screen (920).

[0184] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are drawings for exemplarily illustrating a control authority request according to one embodiment.

[0185] Specifically, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an example of a group play room screen (1000) displayed on a user terminal of one user (User 1) among multiple users (User 1, User 2, User 3) participating in a group play room.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 10, the group play room screen (1000) may include a game screen display area (1010), a participant list display area (1020), and a control permission request UI element (1030).

[0187] At this time, the game screen display area (1010) may display the game screen (1011, 1012, 1013) of each user (User 1, User 2, User 3) that is streamed from the user terminal of each user participating in the group play room, and each user (User 1, User 2, User 3) may share the game play situation with one another through the game screen (1011, 1012, 1013) displayed in the game screen display area (1010).

[0188] Meanwhile, in the participant list display area (1020), a list of users (User 1, User 2, User 3) who participated in the group play room can be displayed as selectable button-shaped UI elements (1021, 1022, 1023).

[0189] A user (User 1) can select one or more users among other users (User 2, User 3) through user input (e.g., click, tap, etc.) on one of the UI elements (1022, 1023) in the participant list display area (1020), and then send a request for control of the game from the user (User 1) to each of the selected users' terminals through user input (e.g., click, tap, etc.) on the control authority request UI element (1030).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 11, when a user (User 1)'s request for control authority is transmitted to each other user terminal (User 2, User 3) in accordance with the user input of the user (User 1) regarding the control authority request UI element (1030), a graphic object (1024, 1025) indicating whether each other user (User 2, User 3) accepts the user (User 1)'s request for control authority may be displayed in the UI elements (1021, 1022, 1023) displayed in the participant list display area (1020).

[0191] Meanwhile, if one or more of the other users (User 2, User 3) accept the control permission request, a control start button UI (1040) may be displayed on the group play room screen (1000), and User 1 may start control of the gameplay of each of the other users who accepted the control permission request through user input (e.g., click, tap, etc.) on the control start button UI (1040).

[0192] FIGS. 12 to 15 are drawings for exemplarily explaining a control process according to a game control method according to one embodiment.

[0193] Specifically, FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an example of a game screen (1200) of a user (User 1) who requested control rights in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, and FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an example of a game screen (1300) of a user (User 2) who accepted the user (User 1)'s request for control rights in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, when a user (User 1) clicks on a location where an attendance icon (1210) is displayed to display an attendance menu (1220) among the UI elements displayed on the user's (User 1) game screen (1200), the user terminal of the user (User 1) can transmit control information including input information for the corresponding user input to the user terminal of the user (User 2).

[0195] At this time, according to one embodiment, the input information may include information about a location clicked by User (User 1) on User (User 1)'s game screen (1200) and information about the form of user input (i.e., click) for the clicked location. In this case, User (User 2)'s user terminal may identify a location on User (User 2)'s game screen (1300) that is identical to the location clicked by User (User 1) on User (User 1)'s game screen (1200) based on control information received from User (User 1)'s user terminal, and may generate user input of the same form as User (User 1)'s user input (i.e., click) for the identified location.

[0196] According to another embodiment, the input information may include identification information for an attendance icon (1210) clicked by User (User 1) on User (User 1)'s game screen (1200) and information for the form of user input (i.e., click) for the attendance icon (1210). In this case, User (User 2)'s user terminal may identify an icon (1310) identical to the attendance icon (1210) clicked by User (User 1) on User (User 1)'s game screen (1200) on User (User 2)'s game screen (1300) based on control information received from User (User 1)'s user terminal, and generate user input on the identified icon (1310) in the same form as the form of user input (i.e., click) of User (User 1).

[0197] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, when a user (User 1) clicks on a location where an attendance icon (1210) is displayed among the UI elements displayed on the user (User 1)'s game screen (1200), the user terminal of the user (User 1) can transmit identification information regarding a game action (i.e., displaying an attendance menu (1220)) executed based on the user input to the user terminal of the user (User 2). In this case, the user terminal of the user (User 2) can display an attendance menu (1320) on the second game screen (1300) as in the example shown in FIG. 15, based on the control information received from the user terminal of the user (User 1).

[0198] Meanwhile, FIGS. 16 to 18 are drawings for exemplarily illustrating the setting of a control target and the acceptance of a control authority request according to one embodiment.

[0199] Specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a game screen (1600) of a user (User 1) who requested control rights in the example described above with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 16, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, after clicking the control authority request UI element (1030), the user (User 1) can set a control target on the user's (User 1) game screen (1600). Specifically, the user (User 1) can select a specific area (1610) on the game screen (1600) and set the selected area (1610) as the control target.

[0201] In this case, the user's (User 1) request for control authority may include a confirmation image of the control target (1610).

[0202] Meanwhile, FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a UI screen (1700) displayed on a user terminal of a user (User 2) to receive a selection on whether to accept a control authority request from a user (User 1). As shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the UI screen (1700) may display UI elements (1710, 1720) and a confirmation image (1730) of a control target to receive a selection on whether to accept a control authority request from a user (User 1).

[0203] At this time, the confirmation image (1730) may be a captured image of the user's (User 1) game screen (1600), and the confirmation image (1730) may display text indicating that it is a control target, along with a border indicating an area set as a control target so that the control target (1610) can be identified.

[0204] Meanwhile, in the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the user (User 1) may select a part area (1620) of the game screen (1600) as a public target along with selecting a control target (1610) on the game screen (1600). In this case, the confirmation image for the control target may include only the area (1620) selected as a public target by the user (User 1) and the control target (1610), as in the example illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0205] Specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a UI screen (1800) displayed on a user terminal of a user (User 2) to receive a selection on whether to accept a control authority request from a user (User 1). As in the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the UI screen (1800) may display UI elements (1810, 1820) and a confirmation image (1830) of a control target to receive a selection on whether to accept a control authority request from a user (User 1).

[0206] At this time, the confirmation image (1830) may be an image that includes only the area (1620) selected as a public target and the area (1610) selected as a control target by the user (User 1) in the user (User 1)'s game screen (1600), and the confirmation image (1830) may display text indicating that it is a control target along with a border indicating the area set as a control target so that the control target can be identified.

[0207] Although the present invention has been described in detail above through representative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the aforementioned embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method performed by a computing device comprising one or more processors, wherein The operation of transmitting a request for control authority of a first user terminal for a game to one or more second user terminals; The operation of receiving a response message including whether to accept the control authority request from at least one of the above one or more second user terminals; An operation to identify one or more third user terminals among the one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request based on the above response message; and A game control method comprising the operation of transmitting control information to one or more third user terminals to control gameplay of the game executed on each of the one or more third user terminals based on user input for the first user terminal.

2. In Claim 1, A game control method in which the first user terminal and the one or more second user terminals are each user terminals logged into different user accounts for the game.

3. In Claim 1, A game control method further comprising an operation of identifying a control target in the game based on user input entered into the first user terminal for setting a control target.

4. In Claim 3, A game control method in which the operation of transmitting the above control information transmits the control information to one or more third user terminals based on user input regarding the control target.

5. In Claim 3, A game control method wherein the control target includes one or more regions included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

6. In Claim 3, The above-mentioned identifying operation includes the operation of generating a confirmation image for the control target, and The above control authority request is a game control method including the above confirmation image.

7. In Claim 1, A game control method comprising the above control information including input information for the user input or identification information for a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

8. In Claim 1, A game control method wherein the above control authority request includes screen setting information for a game screen displayed on a user terminal that has accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal among the one or more second user terminals.

9. A method performed by a computing device comprising one or more processors, wherein The operation of receiving a request for control authority over a game from a first user terminal; The operation of transmitting a response message to the first user terminal including whether to accept the control authority request; When the above control authority request is accepted, the operation of receiving control information generated from the first user terminal based on user input to the first user terminal; and A game control method comprising controlling gameplay of the game executed on a second user terminal based on the above control information.

10. In Claim 9, A game control method in which the first user terminal and the second user terminal are each user terminals logged into different user accounts for the game.

11. In Claim 9, The above control information is a game control method generated based on user input regarding a control target set in the game.

12. In Claim 11, A game control method wherein the control target includes one or more regions included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

13. In Claim 11, The above control authority request is a game control method comprising a confirmation image for the control target.

14. In Claim 9, A game control method comprising the above control information including input information for the user input or identification information for a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

15. In Claim 14, A game control method wherein the above-mentioned controlling operation controls the generation of user input for the second user terminal at the second user terminal or the execution of a game operation corresponding to the identification information at the second user terminal based on the above-mentioned input information.

16. In Claim 9, The above control authority request includes screen setting information for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal, a game control method.

17. In Claim 16, The operation of transmitting the above response message includes, when the control authority request is accepted, determining whether the screen settings for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal match the screen setting information; and A game control method comprising, if the above screen settings do not match the above screen setting information, changing the above screen settings to match the above screen setting information.

18. One or more processors; and It includes memory for storing one or more programs executed by the above one or more processors, and The above one or more processors, Transmitting a request for control authority of a first user terminal for a game to one or more second user terminals, and Receiving a response message including whether to accept the control authority request from at least one of the above one or more second user terminals, and Based on the above response message, identify one or more third user terminals among the one or more second user terminals that have accepted the control authority request, and A computing device that transmits control information to one or more third user terminals to control gameplay of the game executed on each of the one or more third user terminals based on user input to the first user terminal.

19. In Claim 18, A computing device in which the first user terminal and the one or more second user terminals are each user terminals logged into different user accounts for the game.

20. In Claim 18, The above one or more processors are a computing device that identifies a control target in the game based on user input entered into the first user terminal for setting a control target.

21. In claim 20, A computing device in which one or more processors transmit control information to one or more third user terminals based on user input regarding the control target.

22. In claim 20, The above control target is a computing device comprising one or more regions included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

23. In claim 20, The above one or more processors generate a verification image of the control target, and The above control authority request is a computing device including the above verification image.

24. In Claim 18, A computing device comprising the above control information, the input information for the user input or identification information for a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

25. In Claim 18, A computing device wherein the above control authority request includes screen setting information for a game screen displayed on a user terminal that has accepted the control authority request of the first user terminal among the one or more second user terminals.

26. One or more processors; and It includes memory for storing one or more programs executed by the above one or more processors, and The above one or more processors, Receive a request for control rights to a game from a first user terminal, and Sending a response message including whether to accept the control authority request to the first user terminal, and If the above control authority request is accepted, control information generated based on user input to the first user terminal is received from the first user terminal, and A computing device that controls gameplay of the game executed on a second user terminal based on the above control information.

27. In Claim 26, A computing device in which the first user terminal and the second user terminal are each user terminals logged into different user accounts for the game.

28. In Claim 26, The above control information is a computing device that generates user input regarding a control target set in the game.

29. In Claim 28, The above control target is a computing device comprising one or more regions included in the game or one or more screen operation elements included in the game.

30. In Claim 28, The above control authority request is a computing device comprising a confirmation image for the control target.

31. In Claim 26, A computing device comprising the above control information, the input information for the user input or identification information for a game action executed within the game based on the user input.

32. In Claim 31, A computing device wherein one or more processors, based on the input information, control the generation of user input for the second user terminal at the second user terminal or the execution of a game operation corresponding to the identification information at the second user terminal.

33. In Claim 26, The above control authority request is a computing device that includes screen setting information for a game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal.

34. In Claim 33, When the control authority request is accepted, the above one or more processors determine whether the screen settings for the game screen of the game displayed on the second user terminal match the screen setting information, and A computing device that changes the screen settings to match the screen setting information when the above screen settings do not match the above screen setting information.

Images