WO2023058482A1

WO2023058482A1 - Program, computer, system, and method

Info

Publication number: WO2023058482A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/035652
Authority: WO
Inventors: 亮二角田; 夏葉松原; 純希澤田
Original assignee: 株式会社コロプラ
Priority date: 2021-10-04
Filing date: 2022-09-26
Publication date: 2023-04-13
Also published as: JP2023054577A

Abstract

This program causes a computer to execute the following: defining a virtual space for providing a game that includes manipulation of a character; allowing a distributor to participate in the game; generating distribution information according to the gameplay of the distributor; transmitting the distribution information to viewing terminals used by each of a plurality of viewers, thereby enabling a video that includes the gameplay to be viewed using the viewing terminals; counting (S308, S318, S328) the plurality of viewers; and, when a specific condition in the game has been satisfied, changing (S310, S320, S330) a gaming condition in the virtual space according to whether the counted number of viewers is a first number of viewers or is a second number of viewers that is greater than the first number of viewers.

Description

program, computer, system, method

The present disclosure relates to programs, computers, systems, and methods.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a game system configured so that viewers can view moving images including game play of a distributor. The game system changes the abilities of the character during play according to whether the number of viewers is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or less than a predetermined value.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-167172

In conventional game systems, the ability of a character being played is changed according to the number of viewers, so the power relationship between that character and another character tends to become unbalanced. As a result, the game may become less interesting.

A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure defines, in a computer, a virtual space for providing a game including manipulating a character, allowing a distributor to participate in the game, and performing the distributor's game. By generating distribution information according to the play and transmitting the distribution information to the viewing terminal used by each of a plurality of viewers, each viewing terminal can be used to view the video including the game play. counting the plurality of viewers; and if a specific condition is satisfied in the game, the number of viewers counted is the first number of viewers, or the first number of viewers changing game conditions in the virtual space according to whether the number of second viewers is greater.

According to the present disclosure, the interest in the game is less likely to decrease.

It is a figure which shows the outline|summary of a game system. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a terminal included in the game system of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a module configuration of a server included in the game system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure in the server of FIG. 3; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition in the terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processing for distributing or viewing content for viewing; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for executing a battle game; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing for changing game conditions; It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of a condition change process. It is a figure which shows an example of the conditions for selecting a change lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of a change lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of a change lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of a change lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of virtual space. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen on the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a matching screen in the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen on the general terminal or distribution terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen on the general terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a viewing screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a second result screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a second result screen on the viewing terminal of FIG. 2; FIG.

A game system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Outline of game system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 10 includes a network 90, a plurality of terminals 100, and one or more servers 200. FIG. The game system 10 is provided as a system for home use or as a system for commercial use. A plurality of terminals 100 are configured to communicate with server 200 via network 90 . As an example, game system 10 provides multiplayer games. In the following description, simply referring to a "game" means a game provided by the game system 10. FIG. A plurality of terminals 100 is an example of a computer. One or more servers 200 are examples of computers.

[network]
As an example, the network 90 is composed of the Internet and a mobile communication system including wireless base stations. As an example, the mobile communication system can be implemented as a 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication system, LTE (Long Term Evolution), or a wireless network that can be connected to the Internet by an access point.

[Device hardware configuration]
Some terminals 100 may be used as gaming terminals for playing games. A terminal 100 used as a game terminal provides a user with a game function to play a game provided by the game system 10 . Some terminals 100 can be used as general terminals 100A. The general terminal 100A can be used as a game terminal. The general terminal 100A is used by general users other than distribution users and viewing users.

Some terminals 100 can be used as delivery terminals 100B. The distribution terminal 100B provides users with a distribution function of distributing content for viewing. The content for viewing includes a moving image (hereinafter referred to as a play moving image) according to the game play by the distribution user. The distribution terminal 100B is used by a distribution user who is a distributor. A distribution user is a game player. That is, the distribution terminal 100B is also a game terminal. Some terminals 100 may be used as viewing terminals 100C. The viewing terminal 100C provides the user with a viewing function of viewing the viewing content distributed by the distribution user. The viewing terminal 100C is used by viewing users who are viewers. When one viewing user is used as a reference, the user distributing the viewing content that the viewing user is viewing is the viewing target distribution user.

As an example, terminal 100 is a smart phone. The terminal 100 may be a mobile terminal device such as a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. Terminal 100 may be a fixed terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or workstation. For example, terminal 100 comprises processor 110 , memory 120 and storage 130 . Terminal 100 may further include a communication interface (IF) 140 and an input/output IF 150 . Terminal 100 may further include microphone 160 , speaker 162 and touch screen 164 . Each of the plurality of components included in terminal 100 is connected to communication bus 180 .

Processor 110 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in memory 120 or storage 130 in response to a signal given to terminal 100 or in response to establishment of a predetermined condition. For example, the processor 110 is implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic device.

Memory 120 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the program is read from storage 130 . Data may include data sent to terminal 100 and data generated by processor 110 . For example, memory 120 may be implemented as random access memory (RAM) or other volatile memory.

The storage 130 permanently holds programs and data. For example, the storage 130 is implemented as a ROM (Read-Only Memory), hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. The storage 130 may be realized as a removable storage device like a memory card.

Programs stored in the storage 130 include game programs, distribution programs, viewing programs, and communication programs. The game program implements a game function that provides a game space, which is one of virtual spaces, and a game play in the game space. As an example, gameplay includes manipulating objects placed in the game space. As an example, an object operated using terminal 100 is a character corresponding to the user using terminal 100 . This character is the avatar of the user using terminal 100 .

The distribution program realizes a distribution function of distributing content for viewing including a play video according to the game play situation in the game space. While implementing this distribution function, the terminal 100 becomes a distribution terminal 100B. A state in which the distribution function is implemented is referred to as a “distribution state”. The viewing program provides a viewing space, which is one of the virtual spaces, and a viewing function that provides viewing of viewing content using the viewing space. While implementing this viewing function, the terminal 100 becomes the viewing terminal 100C. A state in which the viewing function is realized is referred to as a “viewing state”. As an example, viewing viewing content includes viewing a play video. A communication program realizes a function of communicating with another computer (for example, the server 200). Programs stored in storage 130 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs.

For example, the data stored in the storage 130 includes definition data of the virtual space and object data defining various objects placed in the virtual space. In the terminals 100A-100C, one or more objects are arranged in the virtual space using the same object data. That is, the terminals 100A-100C can share some or all of the events in the virtual space. The virtual space is not limited to a three-dimensional space. For example, the virtual space may be a two-dimensional space or a still image space. For example, the virtual space may be a space represented by input data such as sound, voice, or character data.

Communication IF 140 is connected to network 90 . Communication IF 140 communicates with other computers connected to network 90 (for example, server 200). For example, communication IF 140 is implemented as a LAN (Local Area Network) or other wired communication IF. For example, communication IF 140 is implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication IF. Communication IF 140 is not limited to the one described above.

The input/output IF 150 communicates with an external input/output device 190 . For example, the input/output IF 150 is implemented as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 150 is realized as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

As an example, input/output device 190 is a controller. For example, the input/output IF 150 transmits instructions output from the processor 110 to the controller. This command instructs the controller to vibrate, output sound, or emit light. Upon receiving the command, the controller performs vibration, sound output, or light emission in response to the command. A controller has one or more operational parts. For example, one or more operating parts may include buttons, keys, switches, handles, bars, touchpads, or sticks. The controller transmits to the terminal 100 an output value based on the user's manipulation of the manipulation parts. As an example, the controller may comprise a motion sensor such as an acceleration sensor or an angular rate sensor. The controller may be configured to send the motion sensor output values to the terminal 100 . Controllers may be attachable to and detachable from terminal 100 .

The input/output device 190 is not limited to those described above. For example, input/output device 190 may be a camera. The camera may be configured to transmit a captured image of the user to the terminal 100 . For example, input/output device 190 may be a ranging sensor. The ranging sensor may be configured to transmit to the terminal 100 an output value based on detection of the user's hand, marker, or the like.

Microphone 160 converts the user's speech into an audio signal (electrical signal) and transmits the audio signal to processor 110 . The speaker 162 converts the audio signal into sound and outputs it to the user. Each terminal 100 may include, in addition to or instead of the speaker 162, an earphone or an earphone jack to which an earphone can be connected.

Touch screen 164 may include monitor 166 and touch sensor 167 . Monitor 166 is implemented as a transmissive or non-transmissive display. For example, the monitor 166 is implemented as a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, or other display device. A monitor 166 displays various images. Images displayed on monitor 166 include various objects such as backgrounds, user avatars, other characters, obstacles, windows, buttons, menus, lists, and icons. Monitor 166 is not limited to those described above. For example, the monitor 66 may be a 3D monitor including a sub-monitor displaying an image for the left eye and a sub-monitor displaying an image for the right eye.

Touch sensor 167 transmits to processor 110 an output value based on a user's operation on monitor 166 . As an example, the touch sensor 167 is implemented as a capacitive touch sensor, resistive touch sensor (pressure sensitive touch sensor), ultrasonic touch sensor, or other touch sensor. As an example, the input surface of the touch sensor 167 is part or all of the display surface of the monitor 166 . The touch sensor 167 can be used as an operation unit configured to receive user input operations. For example, if the operation unit is the touch sensor 167, the processor 110 accepts a user's physical contact operation on the input surface of the touch sensor 167 as the user's input operation. For example, user input operations on the touch sensor 167 may include touch operations, slide operations, swipe operations, tap operations, drag operations, and other operations.

The operation unit is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, when the operation unit is the communication IF 140, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from an operation device (not shown) connected via the network 90 as the user's input operation. For example, if the operation unit is the input/output IF 150, the processor 110 accepts a signal transmitted from the external input/output device 190 as the user's input operation. For example, when the input/output device 190 is a camera and a distance measuring sensor, when the user's hand is detected from the received captured image, the processor 110 detects a gesture (user's hand gesture) based on the captured image and the output value. A series of movements) is accepted as a user input operation. For example, if the input/output device 190 is a controller, the processor 110 receives an output value transmitted from the controller as a user's input operation.

[Server hardware configuration]
Server 200 may be a workstation or a general-purpose computer such as a PC. The server 200 includes a processor 210 , memory 220 , storage 230 , communication IF 240 and input/output IF 250 . Each of the plurality of components included in server 200 is connected to communication bus 280 .

Processor 210 executes a series of instructions contained in a program stored in memory 220 or storage 230 in response to a signal given to server 200 or in response to establishment of a predetermined condition. For example, processor 210 may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, MPU, FPGA, or other computing device.

Memory 220 temporarily stores programs and data. As an example, the program is read from storage 230 . The data may include data sent to server 200 and data generated by processor 210 . For example, memory 220 may be implemented as RAM or other volatile memory.

The storage 230 permanently holds programs and data. For example, storage 230 may be implemented as a ROM, hard disk drive, flash memory, or other non-volatile storage device. Storage 230 may be implemented as a removable storage device, such as a memory card. The server 200 may use programs stored in an external storage device instead of the storage 230 . For example, in situations where multiple game systems 10 are used, such as amusement facilities, programs and data can be updated collectively.

Programs stored in the storage 230 include game programs, distribution programs, and communication programs. The game program implements functions of providing a game space in the game system 10 and providing game play in which the game space is shared by a plurality of users. The distribution program realizes a function of providing a viewing space in the game system 10 and allowing a plurality of viewing users to view events in the game space using the viewing space. In other words, the distribution program implements a function of distributing the viewing content including the playing video of the distribution user to the viewing terminal 100C. The communication program realizes the function of communicating with other computers (eg, terminals 100A-100C). Programs stored in storage 230 may include an operating system, a simulation program, a user authentication program, and other programs. For example, the data stored in the storage 130 may include data defining the virtual space and object data defining various objects arranged in the virtual space.

Communication IF 240 is connected to network 90 . Communication IF 240 communicates with other computers connected to network 90 (terminals 100A to 100C, for example). For example, communication IF 240 is implemented as a LAN or other wired communication IF. For example, the communication IF 240 is implemented as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or other wireless communication IF. Communication IF 240 is not limited to the one described above.

The input/output IF 250 communicates with external input/output devices. For example, the input/output IF 250 is implemented as a USB, DVI, HDMI (registered trademark), or other wired communication IF. For example, the input/output IF 250 is implemented as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other wireless communication IF.

The server 200 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the server 200 may include a game server 200A for providing games in a game space and a distribution server 200B for distributing content for viewing. A game program is stored in the storage 230 of the game server 200A. A game program is executed by the processor 210 of the game server 200A. The distribution program is stored in the storage 230 of the distribution server 200B. The distribution program is executed by processor 210 of distribution server 200B. The game server 200A transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the distribution server 200B via the communication IF 240 . The game server 200A transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the

terminals

100A and 100B via the communication IF 240 . The distribution server 200B transmits/receives various kinds of information and various requests to/from the viewing terminal 100C via the communication IF 240 .

[Terminal module configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, terminal 100 includes control module 101 , rendering module 104 , memory module 105 , communication module 106 and input/output module 107 . The control module 101 includes a game module 101A, a distribution module 101B, and a viewing module 101C.

The game module 101A, the distribution module 101B, the viewing module 101C, and the rendering module 104 are realized by the processor 110. FIG. Memory module 105 is realized by memory 120 and storage 130 . Communication module 106 is realized by communication IF 140 . Input/output module 107 is implemented by processor 110 , touch sensor 167 , and input/output IF 150 .

The input/output module 107 detects and accepts a user's input operation to the touch sensor 167 and a user's input operation to an external operation device via the input/output IF 150 . As an example, when the input/output module 107 receives a user's input operation on the touch sensor 167, the input/output module 107 identifies the type of the input operation by detecting the coordinates of the input position. For example, the types of input operations that can be identified by the input/output module 107 may include touch operations, slide operations, swipe operations, tap operations, drag operations, and other forms of operations. The input/output module 107 detects that the contact input from the touch sensor 167 is canceled when the continuously detected input operation is interrupted.

Communication module 106 receives various types of information and various requests from one or more servers 200 . By way of example, the information communication module 106 receives from server 200 may include progress information, delivery information, and user information. As an example, the progress information indicates the progress of the game in the game space. As an example, the progress information may include type information of one or more avatars placed in the game space, coordinate information of the avatars, action information of the avatars, and other information. An avatar is an object to be operated by a user in a game space. As an example, the avatar's coordinate information indicates the position in the game space. As an example, the action information indicates the action content of the avatar. As an example, avatar actions may include avatar posture, item use, skill use, attack, defense, evasion, or jumping. The progress information may include configuration information regarding avatar configuration. As an example, the avatar settings may be changed by the user in the game space or prior to moving to the game space. As an example, avatar settings may include avatar type, avatar equipment, avatar appearance, and the like.

As an example, progress information may include information indicating special events in the game space (hereinafter referred to as special information). The special information is not limited to this, and may be information that is transmitted and received separately from the distribution information. A special event is an event that can affect the progress of the game. As an example, a special event is a change in game conditions. In this case, the special information may include information indicating the changed game conditions. A game condition can be said to be an environmental element surrounding an avatar in a game space. As an example, the game conditions include game rules and game difficulty.

As an example, the distribution information includes information for reproducing events in the game space in the viewing space. As an example, the delivery information includes some or all of the information included in the progress information. As an example, the distribution information includes type information of one or more avatars placed in the game space, coordinate information of the avatars, action information of the avatars, and information for reproducing the progress of the game in the game space in the viewing space. Other information may be included. The distribution information may include setting information regarding settings of the avatar. As an example, user information may include username, account id, gender, age, address, and the like. The distribution information may include the special information described above.

The game module 101A performs processing for progressing the game. The game module 101A reads the game space definition data from the memory module 105 . The game module 101A defines the game space according to the read definition data. The game module 101A reads object data from the memory module 105. FIG. The game module 101A arranges objects in the game space according to the read object data. The game module 101A identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game indicated in the progress information of the game.

Game progress may include your avatar's type, coordinates, and actions in the game space. The progress of the game may include the types, coordinates, and actions of other users' avatars in the game space. Game progress may include setting up your avatar. Game progress may include settings of other users' avatars. Game progress may include changes in game conditions.

The game module 101A makes various decisions regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A conducts various lotteries regarding the progress of the game. The game module 101A generates various requests and play information according to user instructions, various determination results, and various lottery results. Various requests generated by the game module 101A and play information are transmitted to the server 200 by the communication module 106. FIG.

The distribution module 101B performs processing for distributing content for viewing (play animation). The distribution module 101B identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the progress of the game. The distribution module 101B can generate a request to start distribution or a request to end distribution of viewing content according to the user's instruction. The distribution module 101B can generate a request to change the content of distribution of the viewing content according to the user's instruction. Various requests generated by the distribution module 101B are transmitted to the server 200 by the communication module 106. FIG.

The viewing module 101C performs processing for viewing viewing content (play video) distributed by a distribution user. The viewing module 101C reads viewing space definition data from the memory module 105 . The viewing module 101C defines the viewing space according to the read definition data. The viewing module 101C reads object data from the memory module 105 . The viewing module 101C arranges objects in the viewing space according to the read object data. As an example, the definition data and object data are the same in the game space and the viewing space. The game space and viewing space may be configured to be used as one virtual space.

The viewing module 101C identifies the user's instruction according to the coordinates of the input position received by the input/output module 107, the type of input operation, and the distribution information (progress of the game). The viewing module 101C generates a viewing start request or a viewing end request for the viewing content according to the user's instruction. The viewing module 101C generates a request to change the delivery details of the viewing content according to the user's instruction. Various requests generated by the viewing module 101C are transmitted to the server 200 by the communication module 106 .

Rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image. The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image according to progress information (special information), delivery information, or various requests received by the communication module 106 . The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image according to the play information generated by the game module 101A and various requests. The rendering module 104 creates a predetermined screen image according to the information generated by the viewing module 101C and various requests.

Rendering module 104 displays the created screen image on monitor 166 . The rendering module 104 may be configured to display screen images on an external display device via the input/output IF 150 . The rendering module 104 may be configured to display screen images on an external display device via the communication IF 140 . A screen image is an image that controls and renders a 2D or 3D object. As described above, objects drawn as screen images can include avatars (characters), backgrounds, obstacles, and the like.

The rendering module 104 may control and render 2D or 3D game objects (UI objects) for building a UI (User Interface). The rendering module 104 creates a screen image that includes UI objects necessary for user input operations, such as icons, buttons, lists, panels, windows, and menus. The UI object assists the user's input operations necessary for progressing the game. In addition, the UI object assists the user's input operations required to obtain information generated during the progress of the game from the terminal 100 . Various UI objects shown in the present disclosure are merely examples, and are not limited to those aspects.

Various processes in terminal 100 are realized by hardware and software executed by processor 110 . Such software may be stored in advance in the memory module 105 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed as a program product. This software may be provided as a downloadable program product by a data provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from a data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer such as the server 200 via the communication module 106, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. . The software is read from the memory module by processor 110 and stored in RAM or the like in the form of an executable program. Processor 110 executes the program.

[Server module configuration]
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 200 includes a control module 201, a memory module 205, a communication module 206, and an input/output module 207. The control module 201 comprises a game module 201A and a distribution module 201B. The game module 201A and distribution module 201B are realized by the processor 210. FIG. Memory module 205 is implemented by memory 220 and storage 230 . Communication module 206 is implemented by communication IF 240 . Input/output module 207 is implemented by processor 210 and input/output IF 250 .

The communication module 206 receives various information and various requests from each terminal 100 . As an example, information received by the communication module 206 from each terminal 100 may include play information and user information. The communication module 206 transmits various information or various requests to each terminal 100 . As an example, the information that the communication module 206 transmits to each terminal 100 may include progress information (special information), distribution information, and user information. The input/output module 107 detects and receives a user's input operation to an external operation device via the input/output IF 250 .

The game module 201A performs processing for directly or indirectly providing an environment in which one game space is shared by a plurality of users. The game module 201A reads the game space definition data from the memory module 205 . The game module 201A defines the game space according to the read definition data. The game module 201A reads object data from the memory module 205. FIG. The game module 201A arranges various objects in the game space according to the read object data.

The game module 201A arranges or moves the avatars corresponding to each of the multiple users in the game space according to the coordinate information included in the play information received by the communication module 206 from the multiple terminals 100 . The game module 201A determines interaction between avatars according to action information included in play information received by the communication module 206 from a plurality of terminals 100 and setting information of the avatars. An interaction is the effect that one avatar has on another when an action is taken. The game module 201A determines whether to change the game conditions. The game module 201A changes the game conditions when it decides to change the game conditions. The game module 201A generates progress information (special information) according to the results of these processes. Communication module 206 transmits progress information to one or

more terminals

100A, 100B. The game module 201A transmits the generated progress information to the distribution module 201B.

The distribution module 201B performs processing for providing an environment in which a plurality of users can view the state of game play in the game space. The distribution module 201B reads the viewing space definition data from the memory module 205 . The distribution module 201B defines the viewing space according to the read definition data. As an example, distribution module 201B reads object data from memory module 205 . As an example, the distribution module 201B arranges various objects in the viewing space according to the read object data.

The distribution module 201B generates distribution information according to the progress information (special information) generated by the game module 201A. The communication module 206 transmits distribution information to one or more viewing terminals 100C. As an example, the delivery information may include the same information as some or all of the progress information. As an example, the delivery information may be the progress information itself. The distribution module 201B transmits various requests to the game module 201A in response to various requests received by the communication module 206 from the viewing terminal 100C. The distribution module 201B transmits various information to the game module 201A according to various information received by the communication module 206 from the viewing terminal 100C.

The server 200 is not limited to the module configuration described above. For example, the game module 201A may be provided by the game server 200A. For example, the distribution module 201B may be provided by the distribution server 200B. The game module 201A may transmit/receive various information or various requests to/from the distribution module 201B via the communication module 206. FIG.

Processing in server 200 is implemented by hardware and software executed by processor 210 . Such software may be pre-stored in memory module 205 such as a hard disk. The software may be stored in a computer-readable non-volatile data recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed as a program product. This software may be provided as a downloadable program product by a data provider connected to a network such as the Internet. Such software is read from a data recording medium by a data reading device such as an optical disk drive, or downloaded from another computer such as an external storage device via the communication module 206, and then temporarily stored in the memory module. be. The software is read from the memory module by processor 210 and stored in a memory such as RAM in the form of an executable program. Processor 210 executes the program.

[Overview of the game]
As an example, a game according to the present disclosure includes multiple parts with different characteristics. As an example, the multiple parts include a first part and a second part. In the first part, general users and broadcast users can prepare for the second part. In the first part, viewing users may view viewing content distributed by distribution users. The content for viewing may include a game play video in at least the second part of the first part and the second part. The game is not limited to this, and may be composed of three or more parts, or may be composed of one part.

As an example, the second part is a part in which a plurality of factions decide victory or defeat based on some criteria. A plurality of users can belong to each of the plurality of factions. A party to which a plurality of users belong is not limited to a faction, and may be a party, group, team, group, or the like. As an example, the second part may be a part in which multiple parties decide the winner based on some criteria. As an example, the second part may be a part in which multiple users decide who wins or loses based on some criteria. General users and broadcast users can participate in the second part of the game. In the following description, general users and broadcast users participating in the second part of the game are referred to as participating users. The second part of the game involves moving the avatar.

As an example, the plurality of factions includes a first faction and a second faction that is hostile to the first faction. One or both of one or more general users participating in the second part of the game and one or more distribution users participating in the second part of the game belong to each camp. That is, multiple factions may each include multiple users as multiple participants. Belonging to the first faction is an example of being of the first attribute. Belonging to the second faction is an example of being of the second attribute. Not limited to this, attributes include whether friends are registered, whether multiple users belong to the same guild, or whether multiple parties belong to the same union. may be

As an example, the second part of the game can be specified as follows.
The second part of the game is a competitive game in which a plurality of factions compete for victory. The second part of the game is a battle game in which the user's own avatar and the avatar of the enemy user battle. One or both of general users and distribution users form one party and participate in the battle game. In other words, the plurality of factions each include one or more parties participating in the battle game. Multiple factions may each include multiple parties.

The second part of the game defines the maximum number of users that can belong to one party. As an example, the maximum number of users who can belong to one party is six. The maximum number of users who can belong to one party may be 2 to 5, or may be 7 or more. As an example, the party in the second part of the game can include a small group formed in another part or a small group made up of people who are in a relationship such as friends. A two-person group, a three-person group, and an individual user may be combined to form a party with a maximum number of six persons, or six individual users may be assigned to the party to form a party.

In the second part of the game, the criterion for winning or losing is that one faction fulfills a predetermined victory condition before the opposing faction that opposes this faction. The victory condition includes that the states of all avatars of the opposing faction are changed from the first state to the second state in the second part of the game. The state of the avatar is changed from the first state to the second state when a predetermined change condition is satisfied. As an example, the change condition is that hit points, which are one of the avatar's ability parameter values, become zero. In this case, the first state is the alive state. The second state is the dead state. In other words, one of the victory conditions is to annihilate the avatars of the enemy camp. In the battle game, each user can move his or her own avatar or attack avatars of the enemy camp. Your avatar's hit points are reduced if you hit with an attack from an enemy faction's avatar. The enemy faction's avatar's hit points are reduced when an attack by a friendly faction's avatar hits.

The second part of the game ends when a predetermined time limit (game time) elapses even if the avatars of the opposing camp have not been wiped out. The victory condition in this case includes that one side has obtained more scores than the opposing side when the time limit for the second part has passed. Scores can be obtained by collecting designated objects placed in the game space in the second part of the game.

In the second part, game conditions may be changed.
Game conditions may change in response to certain conditions being met. As an example, a plurality of sections may be set in the specific period that is part or all of the second part. As an example, the plurality of sections includes a total of m sections from the first section to the mth section. m is an integer of 2 or more. As an example, the specific condition is met by starting each interval. As an example, the start condition of each interval is met over time. Not limited to this, the start condition of each section may be that the score of any camp reaches a prescribed score, or that the number of viewing users reaches a prescribed number of users, or that a monster It may have been annihilated. A monster is an example of an enemy character that is common to multiple factions. Monsters hinder the actions of avatars in the game space. For example, monsters attack avatars, block avatars from moving, or hide specified objects.

As an example, the game condition includes multiple elements (hereinafter referred to as conditional elements). In other words, changing the game conditions means changing some or all of the multiple conditional elements. As an example, game rules and game difficulty are both conditional elements. An example of conditional elements related to rules and difficulty levels will be described. One conditional element of the rules is the game time limit (game time). According to this, the participating users need to change their actions according to the change in the remaining time of the game. One conditional element of a rule is the minimum or maximum score required to meet the winning conditions. According to this, it becomes necessary for the participating users to change their actions according to the change in the score for satisfying the victory condition.

One conditional element for rules is the state of the avatar. As an example, changing the state of the avatar may include changing the avatar from dead to alive, or changing the avatar from alive to dead. Changing the state of the avatar may be limited to a certain period of time, or may be a period of time until the next change condition is satisfied. According to this, the strength of each faction changes. One conditional element for a rule is a score-increasing condition. As an example, changing the condition for increasing the score may include increasing or decreasing the score added when the enemy user's avatar is defeated. According to this, the strategy for efficiently increasing the score changes. One conditional element of the rules is the amount of rewards awarded to participating users when the second part of the game is completed. According to this, the reward amount given to the participating users increases or decreases.

One conditional element regarding difficulty is the number of specified objects. The fewer designated objects, the more difficult it is to raise the score by collecting the designated objects. One conditional element related to the difficulty level is the time required to collect the specified object (hereinafter referred to as collection time). As an example, the specified object is collected when the contact time between the avatar and the specified object reaches the collection time. The longer the collection time is, the more difficult it is to raise the score by collecting the specified object. One requirement for difficulty is the monster's ability parameter value. One conditional element regarding the difficulty level is whether or not special monsters appear among the monsters. Special monsters are formidable enemies with high ability parameter values. The higher the monster's ability parameter value, the more difficult it is to defeat the monster.

Thus, the game conditions are elements related to the environment surrounding the avatar in the game space. The game conditions do not include the ability parameter values of the character (avatar) corresponding to the user. In the second part of the game, the avatar's ability parameter values may change in response to the occurrence of events other than changes in game conditions. As an example, an avatar's ability parameter values may be temporarily improved through the use of magic, skills, or items. As an example, an avatar's ability parameter values may be temporarily lowered through the use of magic, skills, or items.

The second part of the game is not limited to the specifications described above. For example, the second part of the game may be sports such as soccer, tennis, table tennis, boxing, or basketball. For example, the second part of the game may be a race, such as a car race, yacht race, ski race, or flight race.

A viewing user viewing the battle game may earn a predetermined reward. As an example, the reward is reward points P that can be spent in the first part or the second part. By consuming reward points P, the user may acquire items, weapons, armor, currency, titles, or characters. The reward is not limited to this, and may be an item, weapon, armor, currency, title, or character itself that can be used in the game.

As an example, the first part of the game can be specified as follows.
In the first part of the game, general users and distribution users prepare for the battle game as the second part. Preparing for the battle game includes selecting a character to be used in the battle game as the user's avatar from the characters possessed by the user. Preparing for the battle game includes adding, replacing, and deleting avatar equipment, avatar skills, and avatar possessed items. Preparing for the battle game may include changing the appearance of the avatar. For example, an avatar's appearance includes race, gender, body shape, hairstyle, or facial expression. Preparing for the battle game is to change the settings of the avatar.

[data structure]
A data structure in the memory 220 (memory module 205) of the server 200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the memory 220 of the server 200 stores a distribution id as an example of information for specifying viewing content. The memory 220 stores a battle id, a field id, a user id, the number of viewing users n, the number of game condition changes x, and a game condition change id in association with the distribution id. A battle id is an example of information for identifying a battle game to be distributed. Field id is an example of information for identifying the type of field. A field is constructed in a game space as a stage for a battle game. A user id is an example of information for identifying a user. For example, the memory 220 stores the user id of the distribution user in association with the distribution id. Memory 220 stores user ids of one or more participating users participating in one battle game in association with distribution ids. As described above, participating users may include broadcast users and general users. The memory 220 stores user ids of one or more viewing users in association with distribution ids.

The number of viewing users n is information for specifying the number of viewing users viewing one viewing content. As an example, the number of viewing users n may be a number obtained by totaling the number of user ids associated with the distribution id as viewing users. The game condition change count x is information for specifying the number of game condition changes. The game condition change id is information for specifying the changed content of the game condition.

With the data structure as described above, the processor 210 of the server 200 can identify the type of battle game and field by classifying the content for viewing as the game module 201A or distribution module 201B. Similarly, the processor 210 can identify the distribution user, the participating user, the viewing user, the number of viewing users n, the number x of changes to the game conditions, and the content of changes to the game conditions.

[Overview of screen transitions on terminals]
As shown in FIG. 5, as an example, the display screens of each terminal 100 may include a first home screen 40A, a second home screen 40B, a matching screen 45, a first battle screen 50A, and a second battle screen 50B. . As an example, the display screens on each terminal 100 may include a first result screen 55 , a second result screen 60 , a list screen 65 and a viewing screen 70 . Here, an outline of screen transition will be described. A specific example of each display screen will be described later.

The first home screen 40A is displayed when the game is the first part and the terminal 100 is in the initial state. The initial state is neither the distribution state nor the viewing state. In the initial state, the terminal 100 becomes the general terminal 100A. In the distribution state, the terminal 100 becomes the distribution terminal 100B. In the viewing state, the terminal 100 becomes the viewing terminal 100C. The second home screen 40B is displayed when the game is the first part and the terminal 100 is in the distribution state.

The matching screen 45 is displayed when the game shifts from the first part to the second part. The first battle screen 50A is displayed when the game is the second part and the terminal 100 is in the initial state. The second battle screen 50B is displayed when the game is the second part and when the terminal 100 is in the delivery state. The first result screen 55 is displayed when the game shifts from the second part to the first part. It should be noted that even if the matching screen 45 is displayed without going through the

home screens

40A and 40B when an operation is performed on the first result screen 55 to instruct execution of the second part of the battle game. good.

The list screen 65 is displayed when the screen transitions from the first home screen 40A to the viewing screen 70 . The list screen 65 includes a list of one or more viewing contents that can be viewed at that time. By selecting any viewing content from the list, the user can view the viewing content.

The viewing screen 70 is displayed when the game is the first part and the terminal 100 is in the viewing state. The viewing content that can be viewed on the viewing screen 70 is the viewing content selected by the user on the list screen 65 . The content for viewing that can be viewed on the viewing screen 70 can include a play video according to the state of the game on the distribution terminal 100B that distributes the content for viewing.

On the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can view the broadcast user's game play in the first part of the game. On the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can view the broadcast user's game play in the second part (battle game) of the game. In other words, on the viewing screen 70, the playing video of the battle game can be viewed. The second result screen 60 is displayed when the game played by the distribution user shifts from the second part to the first part. After the second result screen 60 is displayed, by shifting to the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can continue to view the broadcast user's game play in the first part.

[Flow of processing for distributing or viewing content for viewing]
An example of the flow of processing for distributing viewing content or viewing viewing content will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S100, the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, as the distribution module 101B, transmits a distribution start request to the server 200 when an operation for instructing distribution start is received. In step S102, when the game is the first part, processor 110 of distribution terminal 100B transmits play information to server 200 as game module 101A. In addition, when the game is the second part, the play information can be transmitted in step S220, which will be described later. The play information may include avatar type information, coordinate information, action information, setting information, and other information.

At step S104, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives the distribution start request as the distribution module 201B. In step S106, processor 210 of server 200 receives play information as game module 201A. That is, the server 200 receives from the distribution terminal 100B the play information corresponding to the game play performed by the distribution user at the distribution terminal 100B. Not limited to this, the processor 210 of the server 200 may receive play information as the delivery module 201B.

In step S108, processor 210 of server 200 generates distribution information as distribution module 201B. At step S108, the processor 210 generates delivery information based on various information including progress information. Step S108 is an example of generating distribution information according to the game play of the distributor.

In step S110, processor 210 of server 200, as distribution module 201B, generates a distribution list. As an example, the delivery list is a list of viewing contents that are being delivered. As an example, the distribution list may be a list of distribution users who are currently distributing viewing content.

In step S114, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, transmits a distribution list request to the server 200 when a list display operation for instructing display of the distribution list is received.

At step S116, processor 210 of server 200, acting as distribution module 201B, receives the distribution list request. In step S118, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, transmits the distribution list to the viewing terminal 100C.

In step S120, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives the distribution list as the viewing module 101C. In step S122 , the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104 , displays the list screen 65 including the distribution list on the monitor 166 .

In step S124, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, transmits a viewing start request to the server 200 when receiving a distribution start operation instructing viewing content to start viewing. As an example, the viewing start request includes information designating the viewing content requested to be distributed to the viewing terminal 100C.

At step S126, the processor 210 of the server 200 receives the viewing start request as the distribution module 201B. In step S128, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, transmits the distribution information of the specified viewing content to the viewing terminal 100C. Step S128 is an example of transmitting the distribution information to the viewing terminal 100C used by each of the plurality of viewers so that the video including the game play can be viewed using each viewing terminal 100C.

In step S130, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives distribution information as the viewing module 101C. In step S132, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing screen 70 on the monitor 166 according to the distribution information.

The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the viewing screen 70 including the play video in the first part on the monitor 166 when the game on the distribution terminal 100B is the first part. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the viewing screen 70 including the play video of the second part on the monitor 166 when the game on the distribution terminal 100B is the second part. The viewing screen 70 is an example of content for viewing including video of a game played by a distribution user.

The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the second result screen 60 on the monitor 166 as the rendering module 104 when the game on the distribution terminal 100B shifts from the second part to the first part. That is, the distribution information can include information indicating the end of the second part. After that, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104 , displays the viewing screen 70 including the game play in the first part on the monitor 166 .

[Flow of Processing for Execution of Battle Game]
An example of the flow of processing for executing a battle game will be described.
In the following description, each user participating in the same battle game is intended to be a general user or a distribution user unless otherwise specified. Also, unless otherwise specified, when referring to a viewing user, it is intended to mean a user viewing viewing content distributed by the same distribution user.

As shown in FIG. 7, in step S200, when the game is the first part, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 causes the rendering module 104 to display the first home screen 40A or the second home screen 40B on the monitor 166. do. Processor 110 displays first home screen 40A on monitor 166 in the initial state. Processor 110 displays second home screen 40B on monitor 166 in the distribution state.

In step S202, processor 110 of terminal 100, as game module 101A, transmits a matching start request to server 200 when a start operation instructing the start of the second part is received. As an example, processor 110 accepts the start operation when a specified number of users belong to the party to which the user of terminal 100 belongs. In other words, processor 110 does not accept the start operation when the specified number of users do not belong to the party to which the user of terminal 100 belongs. The specified number is the maximum number of users that can belong to one party (6 as an example), but is not limited to this. As an example, the prescribed number may be one or a plurality of persons less than the prescribed number. When the matching start request is transmitted, the processor 110 serves as the rendering module 104 to display the matching screen 45 on the monitor 166 .

At step S204, processor 210 of server 200 receives the matching start request as game module 101A. In step S206, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs matching processing. In the matching process, processor 210, as game module 201A, searches one or more parties waiting for matching for a party that meets the conditions for playing against the party to which the user using terminal 100 belongs. The matching waiting state is a state in which a request to start matching has been received and a party to be an opponent has not been determined.

In step S208, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines a party that meets the conditions as a party of the enemy camp, and then completes matching. That is, processor 210 determines a plurality of parties participating in one second part game. The plurality of parties may include one or more friendly parties belonging to friendly camps and one or more enemy parties belonging to enemy camps. In the following description, multiple parties participating in one game are referred to as "participating parties".

In step S210, processor 210 of server 200 defines a game space as game module 201A. Step S210 is an example of defining a virtual space for providing a game including manipulating characters. In step S212, processor 210 of server 200 arranges one or more objects in the game space as game module 201A. One or more objects include avatars of users belonging to each of the multiple participating parties. Users belonging to the same camp are ally users having the same attribute. Users who are divided into a plurality of mutually hostile camps and belong to each other are enemy users having different attributes. In step S212, when viewed from one user, the avatar of the one user, the avatar of the friendly user, and the avatar of the enemy user are arranged in the game space. At step S212, the broadcast user's avatar may also be placed in the game space.

As an example, one or more objects may include a field object that forms the stage of a battle game. That is, the game space may include fields that allow or restrict movement of the avatar. As an example, one or more objects may include opposing characters common to multiple factions. As an example, one or more objects may include obstacles that are common to multiple factions, or traps that are common to multiple factions.

In step S214, processor 210 of server 200 transmits a second part start request to terminal 100 as game module 201A. Processor 210 transmits a second part start request to all

terminals

100A and 100B used by users belonging to the participating party.

In step S216, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the second part start request as game module 101A. In step S218, processor 110 of terminal 100, as rendering module 104, displays first battle screen 50A or second battle screen 50B on monitor 166. FIG. Processor 110 displays first battle screen 50A on monitor 166 in the initial state. Processor 110 displays second battle screen 50B on monitor 166 in the distribution state. In other words, the game transitions from the first part to the second part at one or more terminals 100 used for the second part of the game. Steps S216 and S218 are executed at the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B.

In step S220, the processor 110 of the terminal 100 performs terminal-side game processing as the game module 101A. As an example, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B, as the game module 101A, performs an operation of instructing movement of its own avatar, an operation of instructing an attack on another avatar, or an instruction to attack a predetermined object. When an operation to do so is received, play information indicating the content of each operation is transmitted to the server 200 .

As an example, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B receives progress information from the server 200. FIG. Processor 110 of general terminal 100A, as rendering module 104, displays first battle screen 50A on monitor 166 according to progress information. Processor 110 of distribution terminal 100B, as rendering module 104, displays second battle screen 50B on monitor 166 according to the progress information.

In step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs server-side game processing as the game module 201A. In step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200 can receive play information as the game module 201A from one or more general terminals 100A and one or more distribution terminals 100B.

As an example, in step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200 manages the movement of the avatar in the game space according to the play information as the game module 201A. The processor 210 does not move the avatar according to the play information when the avatar is in the second state. The processor 210 moves the avatar according to the play information when the avatar is in the first state. Without being limited to this, when the avatar is in the second state, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B may be configured not to accept an operation instructing movement of the avatar. When the avatar is in the second state, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B are configured not to transmit play information instructing the movement of the avatar even if an operation instructing the movement of the avatar is received. good too.

As an example, in step S222, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, manages the avatar's attack motion in the game space according to the play information. The processor 210 prevents the avatar from performing an attack motion according to the play information when the avatar is in the second state. The processor 210 causes the avatar to perform an attack motion according to the play information when the avatar is in the first state. Without being limited to this, when the avatar is in the second state, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B may be configured not to accept an attack instruction operation. When the avatar is in the second state, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B may be configured not to transmit play information instructing an attack even if an operation instructing an attack is received.

As an example, the processor 210 determines whether the attack by the avatar hits the avatar of the opposing user as seen by the avatar's user. When the processor 210 determines that the attack hits the enemy user's avatar, the processor 210 reduces the hit points of the avatar. That is, the processor 210 manages the hit points corresponding to each of the one user's avatar, the friendly user's avatar, and the enemy user's avatar when viewed from the one user. Avatar attacks may hit field objects. Also, the effect of the field object may be exerted on the avatar.

In this way, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, specifies the interaction between the avatars by managing the avatars' movement actions and attack actions according to the play information. Processor 210 then generates progress information according to the identification result. Processor 210 transmits the generated progress information to general terminal 100A and distribution terminal 100B. Step S222 is an example of allowing the distributor to participate in the game. Processor 210 of server 200 generates delivery information in step S108 using the progress information generated in step S222. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may transmit the distribution information to the viewing terminal 100C in step S128.

In step S224, the processor 210 of the server 200, when the end condition of the second part is satisfied, sends the second part to all the terminals 100 used by the users participating in the same second part game as the game module 201A. Send a 2-part end request. As an example, the conditions for ending the second part of the game are met when one or more factions meet the victory conditions before the time limit for the second part elapses, or when the time limit for the second part elapses. do. It should be noted that if the conditions for ending the second part are satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may generate distribution information including information indicating the end of the second part in step S108. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may transmit the distribution information to the viewing terminal 100C in step S128.

In step S226, processor 110 of terminal 100 receives the second part end request as game module 101A. In step S228, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the rendering module 104, terminates the display of the first battle screen 50A and displays the first result screen 55 on the monitor 166. After that, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A, as the rendering module 104, displays the first home screen 40A on the monitor 166. FIG. In step S228, the processor 110 of the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, ends the display of the second battle screen 50B and displays the first result screen 55 on the monitor 166. Thereafter, processor 110 of distribution terminal 100B, as rendering module 104, displays second home screen 40B on monitor 166. FIG. That is, in

terminals

100A and 100B, the game shifts from the second part to the first part.

[Flow of processing for changing game conditions]
An example of the flow of processing for changing game conditions will be described. It is assumed that one or more distribution users participate in the battle game. As an example, a case where m is 3 or more will be described.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S300, processor 210 of server 200 starts a battle game by performing a battle game process. In step S302, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B act as the rendering modules 104 to display battle screens on the monitors 166, respectively. As described above, the general terminal 100A displays the first battle screen 50A. A second battle screen 50B is displayed on the distribution terminal 100B. In step S304 , the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104 , displays the viewing screen 70 including the play video on the monitor 166 .

At step S306, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines whether the first section is started. Processor 210 waits until the start of the first interval is identified. As an example, processor 210 measures the elapsed time since the battle game was started. The processor 210 determines that the first interval begins when the measured elapsed time reaches the start time of the first interval. The processor 210 determines that the first interval does not start if the measured elapsed time has not reached the start time of the first interval.

In step S308, the processor 210 of the server 200 identifies the viewing user number n stored in the memory 220 (memory module 205) as the game module 201A. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, counts the number of user ids associated with the distribution id as viewing users, and updates the number n of viewing users. That is, in step S308, the processor 210 of the server 200 counts the viewing user number n.

In step S310, the processor 210 of the server 200 executes condition change processing as the game module 201A. The first condition change process is a process for controlling selection of game conditions according to the number of viewing users n grasped in step S308. As an example, the results of the first condition change process may or may not change the game conditions.

In step S312, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, can display on the monitor 166 a battle screen according to the changed game conditions when the game conditions are changed. Some or all of the objects that make up the first battle screen 50A and the second battle screen 50B can be changed according to changes in game conditions. In step S312, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, continue to display the battle screen corresponding to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed. All of the objects that make up the first battle screen 50A and the second battle screen 50B are displayed based on the game conditions that have not been changed.

In step S314, the processor 210 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, can display the viewing screen 70 according to the changed game conditions on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are changed. In step S314, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing screen 70 according to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed.

At step S316, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, determines whether the second interval is started. Processor 210 waits until the start of the second interval is identified. As an example, processor 210 measures the elapsed time since the battle game was started. The processor 210 determines that the second interval starts when the measured elapsed time reaches the start time of the second interval. The processor 210 determines that the second interval will not start if the measured elapsed time has not reached the start time of the second interval.

At step S318, the processor 210 of the server 200 identifies the viewing user number n stored in the memory 220 (memory module 205) as the game module 201A. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, counts the number of user ids associated with the distribution id as viewing users, and updates the number n of viewing users. That is, in step S318, the processor 210 of the server 200 counts the viewing user number n.

In step S320, the processor 210 of the server 200 executes the second condition change process as the game module 201A. The second condition change process is a process for controlling selection of game conditions according to the number of viewing users n grasped in step S318. As an example, the result of the second condition change process may or may not change the game condition.

In step S322, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, can display on the monitor 166 a battle screen according to the changed game conditions when the game conditions are changed. In step S322, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, continue to display the battle screen corresponding to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed.

In step S324, the processor 210 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, can display the viewing screen 70 according to the changed game conditions on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are changed. In step S324, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing screen 70 according to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed.

In step S326, processor 210 of server 200, as game module 201A, determines whether or not the m-th interval is started. Processor 210 waits until the start of the mth interval is identified. As an example, processor 210 measures the elapsed time since the battle game was started. The processor 210 determines that the mth interval starts when the measured elapsed time reaches the start time of the mth interval. The processor 210 determines that the m-th interval will not start if the measured elapsed time has not reached the start time of the m-th interval.

In step S328, the processor 210 of the server 200 identifies the viewing user number n stored in the memory 220 (memory module 205) as the game module 201A. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, counts the number of user ids associated with the distribution id as viewing users, and updates the number n of viewing users. That is, in step S328, the processor 210 of the server 200 counts the viewing user number n.

In step S330, the processor 210 of the server 200 executes the m-th condition change process as the game module 201A. The m-th condition change process is a process for controlling selection of game conditions according to the number of viewing users n grasped in step S328. As an example, the results of the m-th condition change process may or may not change the game conditions.

In step S332, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, can display on the monitor 166 a battle screen according to the changed game conditions when the game conditions are changed. In step S332, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, continue to display the battle screen corresponding to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed.

In step S334, the processor 210 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, can display the viewing screen 70 according to the changed game conditions on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are changed. In step S334, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing screen 70 according to the game conditions at that time on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are not changed. After that, processor 210 of server 200 ends the processing for changing the game conditions as distribution module 201B.

[Flow of condition change processing]
An example of the flow of condition change processing will be described. As described above, in the process for changing the game conditions, the condition change process is executed every time each section starts from the first section to the m-th section. As an example, the condition change process may include the first to m-th condition change processes (S310, S320, S330).

As shown in FIG. 9, processor 210 of server 200 identifies changed lottery conditions as game module 201A. In other words, processor 210 selects a changed lottery condition. As an example, the changed lottery conditions are defined by a table for a changed lottery (hereinafter referred to as a changed lottery table). The change lottery table is configured so that it can be determined whether or not to change the game conditions. The change lottery table is configured so as to determine the game conditions after the change as the changed contents of the game conditions. As an example, the changed lottery table includes a plurality of changed lottery tables TB1 to TB3.

The changed lottery tables TB1 to TB3 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the changed lottery table TB1 is selected when the viewing user count n is less than the specified user count N in the first condition change process. In this case, the number x of times the game conditions have been changed is irrelevant. The change lottery table TB1 is selected when the number of viewing users n is less than the specified number of users N and the number of times x of game condition changes is less than the specified number of times X in the second and subsequent condition change processes. As an example, the specified number of times X is one. When the prescribed number of times X is 1, the game conditions can be changed only once. Not limited to this, the specified number of times X may be 2 or more. If the specified number of times is 2 or more, the game conditions can be changed multiple times.

As an example, in the change lottery table TB1, it can be determined whether or not the game conditions are changed. "No change in game conditions" is when the option "nothing happens" is won. The change in game condition is when an option other than the option "nothing happens" is won. When the changed lottery table TB1 is used, the probability that it is determined that the game condition is not changed (hereinafter referred to as change probability) is P1%. In the change lottery table TB1, when it is not determined that the game condition is not changed, one of a plurality of game condition change contents can be determined.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the changed lottery table TB2 is selected when the viewing user count n is equal to or greater than the specified user count N in the first condition change process. In this case, the number x of times the game conditions have been changed is irrelevant. The change lottery table TB2 is selected when the number of game condition changes x is less than the specified number of times X and the number of viewing users n is equal to or greater than the specified number of users N in the second and subsequent condition change processes. As an example, in the change lottery table TB2, it can be determined whether or not the game conditions are changed. When the changed lottery table TB2 is used, the probability of determining that the game condition is not changed is P2%. As an example, P2<P1. In other words, when the modified lottery table TB2 is selected, the probability of changing the game conditions is higher than when the modified lottery table TB1 is selected. In the change lottery table TB2, when it is not determined that there is no change in the game condition, one of a plurality of game condition change contents can be determined.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the changed lottery table TB3 is selected when the number of game condition changes x is equal to or greater than the specified number of times X in the second and subsequent condition change processes. In this case, the number n of viewing users does not matter. As an example, the changed lottery table TB3 cannot be selected in the first condition change process. As an example, when the changed lottery table TB3 is used, only no change in game conditions is determined. In other words, when the number x of times the game conditions have been changed has reached the specified number of times X, the game conditions are not changed. Therefore, it can be said that there is an upper limit to the number of times the game conditions can be changed.

Thus, steps S308, S318, and S328 are an example of counting multiple viewers. In steps S310, S320, and S330, when a specific condition is satisfied in the game, depending on whether the counted number of viewers is the first number of viewers or the second number of viewers, This is an example of changing game conditions. In steps S310, S320, and S330, a plurality of conditions are set according to whether the number of viewers counted is the first number of viewers or the second number of viewers when a specific condition is satisfied in the game. This is an example of changing part or all of an element. Less than the specified number of users N is an example of the first number of viewers, and above the specified number of users N is an example of the second number of viewers. That is, it is preferable that the number of second viewers is larger than the number of first viewers. Starting each section in a game is an example of satisfying a specific condition. In other words, it can be said that there are multiple timings at which the specific condition can be satisfied in the game.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, as an example, there are a plurality of changes in game conditions. As an example, game condition changes include "battle time extension" for extending the time limit (game time) and "specified object additional appearance" for increasing the number of specified objects. As an example of game condition changes, there is a "special monster appearance" that arranges special monsters in the game space. As an example of game condition changes, there is an "increase in the time required to collect the designated object" that increases the collection time of the designated object. As an example of game condition change contents, there is a "monster parameter increase" that increases the ability parameter values of enemy characters common to a plurality of camps.

As shown in FIG. 9, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the delivery module 201B, proceeds to step S402 when the changed lottery condition is selected in step S400. In the following description, simply referring to "selected changed lottery table" indicates the changed lottery table selected in step S400.

In step S402, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, uses the selected changed lottery table to perform a changed lottery for making various decisions regarding game conditions. In step S404, processor 210 of server 200 identifies the lottery result as game module 201A. That is, the processor 210 of the server 200 makes various decisions regarding game conditions. As an example, processor 210 determines whether to change the game conditions. Processor 210 determines the changed game conditions. In other words, processor 210 determines the change in game conditions.

In step S406, the processor 210 of the server 200 updates the progress information as the game module 201A according to the specified lottery result. As an example, when it is specified that the game condition has been changed, processor 210 updates the progress information according to the changed game condition specified in step S404. Also, when it is specified that the game condition is not changed, the processor 210 may update the progress information with the contents of not changing the game condition. In other words, the processor 210 changes the game conditions as the game module 201A so as to have the specified contents.

A specific example is as follows. If the content of the change in the game condition is "extension of battle time", processor 210 adds a predetermined time to the time limit. If the change in game condition is "additional appearance of specified objects", processor 210 arranges a predetermined number of specified objects in the game space. If the change in game condition is "appearance of a special monster", the processor 210 arranges the special monster in the game space. If the content of the change in the game condition is "increase of the time required to collect the designated object", the processor 210 extends the collection time. If the content of the game condition change is "increase monster parameters", the processor 210 increases the ability parameter values of the monsters already placed in the game space or the monsters to be newly placed.

In step S108, processor 210 of server 200, as distribution module 201B, generates distribution information according to the updated progress information. At step S408, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, transmits progress information to the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B. In step S408, the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, transmits distribution information to the viewing terminal 100C.

In step S410, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and distribution terminal 100B receive progress information as the game module 101A. In step S412, the processors 110 of the general terminal 100A and distribution terminal 100B act as the rendering module 104 to display the battle screen on the monitor 166 according to the progress information. That is, when the game conditions are changed, the contents displayed on the monitor 166 can be changed according to the changed game conditions in the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B. On the other hand, when the game conditions are not changed, the general terminal 100A and the distribution terminal 100B can maintain the display contents of the monitor 166 according to the game conditions at that time.

In step S414, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives the delivery information as the viewing module 101C. In step S416 , the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104 , displays the viewing screen 70 including the play video corresponding to the distribution information on the monitor 166 . In other words, when the game conditions are changed, the content displayed on the monitor 166 can be changed at the viewing terminal 100C according to the changed game conditions. On the other hand, when the game conditions are not changed, the display content of the monitor 166 can be maintained at the viewing terminal 100C according to the game conditions at that time.

An example of a specific modification of game conditions will be described.
The start of the first section (first condition change process) will be described.
When the number of viewing users n is less than the specified number of users N at the start of the first section, various decisions regarding game conditions are made based on the changed lottery table TB1. That is, the game condition change probability p is [100-P1]%. When the number of viewing users n is greater than or equal to the specified number of users N at the start of the first section, various decisions regarding game conditions are made based on the changed lottery table TB2. That is, the game condition change probability p is [100-P2]%. Therefore, the probability p of changing the game conditions at the start of the first section is higher when the number n of viewing users is equal to or greater than the specified number N of users than when the number n is less than the specified number N of users.

The start time of the second and subsequent sections (second and subsequent condition change processing) will be described.
At the start of the second and subsequent sections, if the number of game condition changes x is equal to or greater than the specified number of times X, various decisions regarding the game conditions are made based on the change lottery table TB3 regardless of the number of viewing users n. is done. That is, the game conditions are not changed. Without being limited to this, the processor 210 of the server 200 performs a change lottery regardless of the number of viewing users n if the number of times x of game condition changes is equal to or greater than the specified number of times X at the start of the second and subsequent intervals. It may be configured to decide to keep the game condition without selecting a table.

At the start of the second and subsequent sections, if the number of game condition changes x is less than the specified number of times X and the number of viewing users n is less than the specified number of users N, the change lottery table TB1 is used. , various decisions regarding game conditions are made. Also, at the start of the second and subsequent sections, if the number of game condition changes x is less than the specified number of times X and the number of viewing users n is equal to or greater than the specified number of users N, the change lottery table TB2 Based on this, various decisions regarding game conditions are made. Therefore, the probability p of changing the game conditions at the start of the second and subsequent sections is higher when the number n of viewing users is equal to or greater than the specified number N of users than when the number n is less than the specified number N of users.

[Example of display screen on terminal and flow of processing related to display]
[Outline of virtual space]
As shown in FIG. 14, an event in game space 80A defined by server 200 (game module 201A) can be reproduced in real time in game space 80A defined by

terminals

100A and 100B.

Terminals

100A and 100B are terminals 100 used by users participating in the same battle game.

Events in game space 80A managed by server 200 are updated according to play information received from

terminals

100A and 100B. Server 200 transmits progress information to

terminals

100A and 100B in accordance with the results of updating events in game space 80A. Events in the game space 80A managed by each terminal 100A, 100B can be updated each time according to progress information received from the server 200. FIG.

Events in the game space 80A defined by the server 200 (game module 201A) can be reproduced in real time in the viewing space 80B defined by the server 200 (distribution module 201B). Events in the viewing space 80B defined by the server 200 can be reproduced in real time in the viewing space 80B defined by each viewing terminal 100C. Each viewing terminal 100C is a terminal 100 that is used to view the play video of the same battle game.

Events in the viewing space 80B managed by the server 200 are updated according to the generated progress information. The server 200 transmits the distribution information generated according to the progress information to the viewing terminal 100C. Events in the viewing space 80B managed by the viewing terminal 100C can be updated each time according to the distribution information received from the server 200. FIG.

As described above, in the virtual space 80, some or all of the events in the virtual space 80 are shared by the server 200 and the terminals 100A to 100C. In the following description, simply referring to the "virtual space 80" is intended not to distinguish between the game space 80A and the viewing space 80B.

Various objects that can be placed in the virtual space 80 include the user's avatar 81 . As an example, the multiple avatars 81 may include an avatar 811A as a character corresponding to one or more users belonging to the first camp. For example, avatar 811A is a character corresponding to the distribution user. As an example, the plurality of avatars 81 may include one or more avatars 812A as characters corresponding to one or more users belonging to the second camp. Various objects that can be placed in the virtual space 80 may include a tombstone object 81D as an example of an object representing the avatar 81 in the second state. As an example, various objects that can be placed in the virtual space 80 include designated objects 83 .

Various objects that can be placed in virtual space 80 may include one or more field objects 82 for configuring field 82A. As an example, field object 82 may include a terrain object that affects movement of avatar 81 . For example, field objects 82 may include objects that restrict movement of avatar 81, such as trees, rocks, rivers, oceans, and mountains. For example, field objects 82 may include objects that reduce the movement speed of avatar 81, such as swamps. For example, field objects 82 may include objects that increase the movement speed of avatar 81, such as ice sheets. As an example, field objects 82 may include objects that affect parameter values of avatar 81 . For example, field objects 82 may include objects that reduce the hit points of avatar 81, such as poison swamp areas. For example, field objects 82 may include objects that increase the hit points of avatar 81, such as a fountain of healing.

[Home Screen]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the first part of the game, the first home screen 40A is displayed on the monitor 166 of the general terminal 100A. In the first part of the game, the second home screen 40B is displayed on the monitor 166 of the delivery terminal 100B. The

home screens

40A, 40B may contain various objects. As an example,

home screens

40A and 40B may include avatar window 401 , battle icon 404 , character icon 406 , home button 408 and watch button 409 . The

home screens

40A and 40B may include a distribution start icon 407 used when distributing play animations. The second home screen 40B may include a distribution end icon used when distribution of the play moving image ends, and a distribution icon indicating that the play moving image is being distributed. The second home screen 40B may include a viewing user number counter 410 as information indicating the viewing user number n. The distribution user can grasp the number of viewing users n by looking at the viewing user number counter 410 .

As an example, avatar window 401 displays own avatar 81 . The appearance of the avatar 81 changes as the avatar's settings are changed. As an example, a start operation for instructing the start of the second part can be performed by tapping a portion where the battle icon 404 is displayed. As an example, by performing a tap operation on a portion where the character icon 406 is displayed, an operation of instructing display of a preparation window (not shown) for preparing for the battle game can be performed. Processor 110 of each terminal 100A, 100B, upon receiving an operation on a preparation window (not shown), changes settings of avatar 81 in accordance with the operation. As described above, avatar 81 settings may include avatar type, avatar equipment, avatar appearance, and the like. For example, by tapping a portion where the distribution start icon 407 is displayed, an operation to instruct distribution start can be performed. For example, by tapping a portion where the viewing button 409 is displayed, a list display operation for instructing display of a distribution list can be performed.

[Matching screen]
As shown in FIG. 16, when server 200 is executing matching processing (step S206), matching screen 45 is displayed on monitors 166 of

terminals

100A and 100B. Matching screen 45 may include various objects. The matching screen 45 includes an avatar window 451 displaying the user's avatar 81 . As an example, avatar window 451 displays own avatar 81 . The matching screen 45 includes information such as character data indicating that matching is being performed.

[Battle screen]
As shown in FIG. 17, in the second part of the game (battle game), the monitor 166 of the general terminal 100A displays the first battle screen 50A. In the second part of the game, the second battle screen 50B is displayed on the monitor 166 of the distribution terminal 100B. Battle screens 50A and 50B include various objects. As an example,

battle screens

50A and 50B may include avatars 81 of

users using terminals

100A and 100B, respectively. As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B may include a scoreboard 501 indicating the score of each camp, an HP bar 61 indicating the hit points of one's own avatar, and an HP bar 62 indicating the hit points of other avatars. The first battle screen 50A may include a distribution start icon (not shown) used when distributing play animations. The second battle screen 50B may include a distribution end icon (not shown) used when distribution of the play animation is finished, and a distribution icon (not shown) indicating that the play animation is being distributed.

As an example, in step S220, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the avatar 81 of the user using that terminal 100 in the center of the monitor 166. FIG. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B arranges the virtual camera 85 above and behind the head of the avatar 81 in the game space 80A, and displays on the monitor 166 the range within the shooting range 85D of the virtual camera 85. (See FIG. 15). The virtual camera 85 in the

battle screens

50A and 50B is not limited to this, and the virtual camera 85 may be positioned at a first-person viewpoint when the field 82A is viewed from the head of the avatar 81, or at a bird's-eye view when the field 82A is viewed from the avatar 81. good.

The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B arranges the avatar 81 of the friendly user and the avatar 81 of the enemy user in the game space 80A according to the progress information received from the server 200 . Processor 110 of general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B can display avatars 81 of other users on monitor 166 when avatars 81 of other users fit within shooting range 85D of virtual camera 85 . These avatars 81 are accompanied by actions according to the action information when displayed on the monitor 166 . Further, when the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or the distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the avatar 81 of the enemy user, the HP bar 62 indicating the hit points of the avatar is displayed on the monitor 166. As an example, the HP bar 62 is arranged above the head of the enemy user's avatar 81 . The HP bar 62 may be placed above the avatar 81 of the friendly user.

As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B include a viewing user number counter 509 as information indicating the viewing user number n of the viewing content. The processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing user number counter 509 on the monitor 166 so as to indicate the viewing user number n based on the progress information in real time. General users and distribution users can grasp the number of viewing users n in real time by looking at the viewing user number counter 509 . As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B may include a remaining user number counter (not shown) as information indicating the remaining number of users up to the specified number of users N, based on the current number of viewing users n.

As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B include a remaining time timer 511 as information indicating the remaining time until the time limit (game time) elapses. In step S220 (S412), the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the remaining time timer 511 on the monitor 166 so as to show the remaining time based on the progress information in real time. General users and distribution users can grasp the remaining time of the time limit by looking at the remaining time timer 511 . As an example, if the change in game condition is "extend battle time", the remaining time indicated by the remaining time timer 511 is increased. That is, in the distribution terminal 100B, the display contents of the monitor 166 are changed according to the changed game conditions.

As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B may include a section notification object 513 as information indicating the current section. In step S220, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, displays the section notification object 513 on the monitor 166 so as to show the section based on the progress information in real time. As an example, the section notification object 513 is Arabic numerals indicating the section. General users and distribution users can grasp the current section by looking at the section notification object 513 . General users and distribution users can recognize that the next section has started by increasing the number included in the section notification object 513 by one. That is, the section notification object 513 can be said to be an example of information indicating the start of the section.

As an example, the

battle screens

50A and 50B may include change content objects 514 as information indicating the change content of the game conditions when the game conditions are changed. The battle screens 50A and 50B should not include the change object 514 when the game conditions have not been changed. In step S412, the processor 110 of the general terminal 100A or distribution terminal 100B, as the rendering module 104, should display the change content object 514 on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are changed. General users and distribution users can recognize that the game conditions have been changed by viewing the change content object 514 . A general user and a distribution user can grasp the changed content of the game condition by looking at the changed content object 514 . That is, in the distribution terminal 100B, the display contents of the monitor 166 are changed according to the changed game conditions.

As an example, the change content object 514 may include predetermined characters as information indicating the change content of the game condition. A specific example is as follows. The change content object 514 may include characters of "battle time is being extended" when the change content of the game condition is "battle time extension". The change content object 514 may include characters of “specified object is increasing” when the change content of the game condition is “additional appearance of the specified object”. The change content object 514 may include characters of "special monster appearing" when the change content of the game condition is "special monster appearing". The change content object 514 may include characters of “collection time is being extended” when the change content of the game condition is “increase of time required to collect the designated object”. The change content object 514 may include characters of "monster strengthening" when the change content of the game condition is "monster parameter increase".

[List screen]
As shown in FIG. 18 , the list screen 65 includes multiple delivery panels 480 . A plurality of delivery panels 480 each contain information related to the delivery user delivering the corresponding viewing content. As an example, information related to the broadcasting user includes the broadcasting user's username, the broadcasting user's avatar, and the current part of the game. Each distribution panel 480 includes a viewing user number 480a as a number indicating the viewing user number n of the corresponding viewing content. The viewing user can grasp the viewing user number n by looking at the viewing user number 480a.

As an example, an operation of instructing display of the first home screen 40A may be performed by tapping a portion where the home button 408 is displayed. By performing a tap operation on a portion where a certain distribution panel 480 is displayed, a distribution start operation can be performed to designate the viewing content corresponding to the distribution panel 480 as the viewing content to start viewing. As described above, in step S132, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the viewing screen 70 on the monitor 166 according to the received distribution information.

[Viewing screen]
As shown in FIG. 19, the viewing screen 70 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the viewing terminal 100C. The viewing screen 70 can include various objects. As an example, viewing screen 70 includes viewing window 701 . As an example, watch screen 70 may include member icon 703 , chat window 704 , and back button 705 .

As an example, the chat window 704 may display character data transmitted and received between viewing users. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C receives the character data transmitted from the other viewing terminal 100C via the server 200, and displays the received character data on the monitor 166 in chronological order. As an example, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C transmits the character data instructed by the viewing user's input operation to the other viewing terminal 100C via the server 200. FIG.

The viewing window 701 may display a game play video. As an example, the viewing window 701 displays the broadcast user's avatar 81 when the game being viewed is the first part. The viewing window 701 displays the state of the battle in the game space 80A when the game being viewed is the second part battle game.

The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C arranges the field object 82 in the viewing space 80B according to the distribution information received from the server 200 (distribution module 201B). That is, viewing space 80B includes field 82A, like game space 80A. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C arranges the general user avatars 81 and the distribution user avatars 81 in the viewing space 80B according to the distribution information received from the server 200 . That is, the viewing space 80B includes each user's avatar 81, similar to the game space 80A. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C arranges the virtual camera 85 at the initial position corresponding to the reference character in the viewing space 80B, and displays on the monitor 166 the range within the shooting range 85D of the virtual camera 85. FIG. As an example, the initial position of the virtual camera 85 may be above and behind the head of the avatar 81 as the reference character.

As an example, the member icon 703 may indicate each user belonging to the same party as the broadcast user. By tapping the portion where the member icon 703 is displayed, an operation of changing the avatar 81 set as the reference character (hereinafter referred to as a character change operation) can be performed. When receiving the character change operation, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C sets the avatar 81 of the user designated by the operation as the reference character. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C arranges the virtual camera 85 at the initial position corresponding to the changed reference character.

As an example, when receiving a camera operation, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C causes the virtual camera 85 to revolve around the reference character in response to the camera operation (indicated by an arrow 85A in FIG. 14). ). The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C keeps the orientation of the virtual camera 85 in the direction toward the reference character. Therefore, the reference character is displayed in the center of viewing window 701 .

Processor 110 of viewing terminal 100C can display one or more avatars 81 on monitor 166 when one or more avatars 81 fit within shooting range 85D of virtual camera 85 . One or more avatars 81, when displayed on monitor 166, are accompanied by actions according to action information included in the distribution information. In other words, the viewing window 701 can display a playing video of the game played by the distribution user. In the game system 10, a portion of the virtual space 80 that is within the field of view of the virtual camera 85 arranged in the virtual space 80 is displayed on the viewing terminal 100C as a play video.

As an example, the viewing screen 70 includes a viewing user number counter 709 as information indicating the viewing user number n of the viewing content. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the viewing user number counter 709 on the monitor 166 so as to indicate the viewing user number n based on the distribution information in real time. A viewing user can grasp the number n of viewing users including himself/herself by looking at the viewing user number counter 709 .

As an example, the viewing screen 70 includes a remaining time timer 711 as information indicating the remaining time until the time limit (game time) elapses. In step S132 (S416), the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the remaining time timer 711 on the monitor 166 so as to show the remaining time based on the distribution information in real time. The viewing user can grasp the remaining time of the time limit by looking at the remaining time timer 711 . As an example, if the change in game condition is "extend battle time", the remaining time indicated by the remaining time timer 711 is increased. That is, in the viewing terminal 100C, the display contents of the monitor 166 are changed according to the changed game conditions.

As an example, the viewing screen 70 may include a section notification object 713 as information indicating the current section. In step S132, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, displays the section notification object 713 on the monitor 166 so as to show the section based on the distribution information in real time. As an example, the section notification object 713 is Arabic numerals indicating the section. The viewing user can grasp the current section by looking at the section notification object 713 . The viewing user can understand that the next section has started when the number included in the section notification object 713 is incremented by one. That is, the section notification object 713 can be said to be an example of information indicating the start of the section.

As an example, the viewing screen 70 may include a change content object 714 as information indicating the change content of the game condition when the game condition is changed. The viewing screen 70 should not include the change object 714 if the game conditions have not been changed. In step S416, the processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the rendering module 104, may display the change object 714 on the monitor 166 when the game conditions are changed. The viewing user can recognize that the game condition has been changed by viewing the change content object 714 . The viewing user can grasp the changed content of the game condition by viewing the changed content object 714 . That is, in the viewing terminal 100C, the display contents of the monitor 166 can be changed according to the changed game conditions. As an example, the change content object 714 may include predetermined characters as information indicating the change content of the game condition. A specific example is the same as the change content object 514, so the description thereof is omitted.

[Result screen]
When the second part ends and the game shifts to the first part, the first result screen 55 is displayed on the monitor 166 of each terminal 100A, 100B. The first result screen 55 can contain various objects. The first result screen 55 includes information such as an icon indicating the faction or party that won the second part of the battle game, an icon indicating the user with the highest number of score acquisitions, or an icon indicating the user with the highest number of subjugated avatars. can include

As shown in FIG. 20, the second result screen 60 is displayed on the monitor 166 of the viewing terminal 100C when the second part of the battle game ends and the game shifts to the first part. The second result screen 60 can contain various objects. The second result screen 60 includes information such as an icon indicating the faction or party that won the second part of the battle game, an icon indicating the user with the highest number of score acquisitions, or an icon indicating the user with the highest number of avatar defeats. can include

As shown in FIG. 21, the second result screen 60 may include an earned points panel 605. FIG. The acquired point panel 605 is an example of information that allows the viewing user to recognize the reward points P acquired by the viewing user through viewing the current battle game. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the second result screen 60 on the monitor 166 as the rendering module 104 when receiving the distribution information indicating the end of the second part. The distribution information may include reward points P earned by the viewing user according to the result of changing the game conditions. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the earned points panel 605 on the monitor 166 according to the reward points P indicated in the distribution information. Note that the processor 210 of the server 200, as the distribution module 201B, may give reward points P to the viewing user when the battle game ends.

Next, effects will be described.
(1) The target to be changed according to the number of viewing users n is the game condition in the virtual space. The change in game conditions affects not only the character operated by the distribution user, but also other characters. Therefore, the power relationship between the character operated by the distribution user and another character is less likely to be unbalanced. As a result, the fun of the game is less likely to decrease.

(2) In a game, there are multiple timings at which game conditions can be changed. That is, even if the specific condition is not satisfied, the game condition may be changed at the next timing. Therefore, changes occur in the progress of the game. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

(3) There is an upper limit to the number of times game conditions can be changed. Therefore, confusion in the game due to excessive changes in game conditions is suppressed.
(4) The game condition change probability p differs depending on whether the viewing user count n is the first viewing user count or the second viewing user count. Therefore, the progress of the game changes according to the number of viewing users n. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

(5) Game conditions are not always changed. Therefore, when the game conditions are changed, the viewing user will pay attention to the moving image in order to understand how it affects the game. Therefore, the fun of the game can be increased.

(6) The viewing user can change the reference character from among the avatars of fellow users. Therefore, the viewing user can observe the play of each user from various viewpoints. Therefore, the viewing user can selectively view how the game play of the participating users has changed according to the change in the game conditions.

(7) On the viewing screen 70, the viewing user can grasp the number of viewing users n. Therefore, when the number x of times the game conditions have been changed has not reached the specified number of times X, it is possible to make the viewing user pay attention to the fact that the game conditions will be changed until the start of the next interval.

(8) On the list screen 65, the user can grasp the viewing user number n of the viewing content. Therefore, the viewing users can grasp the excess or deficiency with respect to the prescribed number of users N, and obtain materials for selecting the viewing contents.

(9) On the battle screen, general users and distribution users can grasp the number of viewing users n. Therefore, when the number x of times the game conditions have been changed has not reached the specified number of times X, it is possible to make the participating users pay attention to the fact that the game conditions will be changed until the start of the next section.

The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within a technically consistent range.
- The changed lottery table TB1 and the changed lottery table TB2 may have different game conditions. That is, the contents of the game condition change may differ depending on whether the viewing user count n is the first viewing user count or the second viewing user count. For example, the specific change content may be included in the content that can be won in only one of the changed lottery table TB1 and the changed lottery table TB2. According to this modified example, the progress of the game changes according to the number of viewing users. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the game.

Further, it is preferable that the change contents of the game conditions include first change contents and second change contents having a greater influence on the game than the first change contents. As an example, the first change content is to extend the time limit by 10 seconds. The second modification is to extend the time limit by 20 seconds.
As another example, the first change content is to add three designated objects. The second modification is to add 10 specified objects.

The second change content is preferably included in the content that can be won only in the change lottery table TB2. According to this modified example, when the number n of viewing users is equal to or greater than the specified number N of users, the effect on the game tends to be greater than when the number n is less than the specified number N of users. As an example, the second modification may be content that makes the game more difficult than the first modification. The second change content may be content that makes the game less difficult than the first change content.

Also, in this modified example, the game condition change probability p may be the same regardless of whether the number of viewing users n is the number of the first viewing users or the number of the second viewing users. In other words, at least one of the game condition change probability and the game condition change content should be different depending on whether the viewing user number n is the first viewing user number or the second viewing user number.

- A specific condition may be met when a specific section, which is part of a plurality of sections, starts. That is, the specific condition may not be satisfied when the non-specific section starts. There may be multiple specific sections. A plurality of specific sections may be continuous by not sandwiching a non-specific section. A plurality of specific sections may not be continuous by sandwiching non-specific sections. That is, the specific condition can be satisfied multiple times in one second part game. Also, there may be only one specific section. That is, in one second part game, the specific condition can be satisfied only once.

The specific section may be one or more sections selected by a predetermined lottery (hereinafter referred to as section lottery) from among the plurality of sections. In this modified example, the processor 210 of the server 200 may execute the section lottery as the game module 201A. The processor 210 of the server 200, as the game module 201A, may perform condition change processing (change lottery) according to the number of viewing users n when the section selected by the section lottery is started. According to this modified example, even when the section starts, the condition change process (change lottery) is not necessarily executed.

There may be two types of changed lottery conditions (changed lottery tables) with different game condition change probabilities p, or four or more types. In this modification, the processor 210 of the server 200 may select a different changed lottery condition (changed lottery table) according to the number of viewing users n when the specific condition is satisfied as the game module 201A. In this case, the greater the viewing user number n, the higher or lower the game condition change probability p may be. As the number of viewing users n increases, the change in the game conditions may have a greater or lesser influence on the game. Also, the greater the number of viewing users n, the more likely the game condition will be changed to increase or decrease the difficulty of the game.

- The time limit (game time) of the battle game may be extended by adding a special section different from the normal section. That is, one conditional element regarding the rule is the number of sections that constitute the second part. As an example, the special section may have a higher appearance rate of monsters, improved monster ability parameter values, or more specified objects than the normal section.

- When a specific condition is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 may determine whether or not to change the game condition without executing the change lottery as the game module 201A. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200 determines whether or not to change the game conditions according to the score of each camp, the number of surviving avatars of each camp, the number of defeated monsters, or the remaining number of designated objects. do it. Also, the processor 210 of the server 200 may be configured to always change the game conditions as the game module 201A when a specific condition is satisfied.

- When a specific condition is satisfied, the processor 210 of the server 200 may determine the contents of change of the game condition without executing the change lottery as the game module 201A. As an example, the processor 210 of the server 200 may select any change content according to the score of each camp, the number of surviving avatars of each camp, the number of defeated monsters, or the remaining number of designated objects.

- The reference character may not be selected from among the avatars of the users who belong to the party of the broadcast user when the avatar of the broadcast user who is the viewing target is in the second state. In this modified example, the reference character may be fixed to the grave marker object 81D representing the avatar 81 of the distribution user in the second state. In this case, the reference character may be selected from assist objects placed in the virtual space 80 by the distribution user.

- Reward points P may be increased when the broadcast user is a specific user compared to when the broadcast user is not a specific user. As an example, when the processor 210 of the server 200 determines that the distribution user is the specific user, the processor 210 gives more reward points P to the viewing user than when the distribution user is not determined to be the specific user. . The processor 210 of the server 200 may determine one or more specific users by lottery from among a plurality of distribution users.

- The general terminal 100A, the distribution terminal 100B, and the viewing terminal 100C may be implemented as computers with different configurations.
- The processor 210 of the server 200 may be configured, as the distribution module 201B, to generate a game play video according to the received play information and perform streaming distribution. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C may display, as the viewing module 101C, in the viewing window 701 the video of the game being streamed.

- The viewing content may include the voice of the distribution user. Processor 110 of distribution terminal 100B, as distribution module 101B, converts an audio signal received from microphone 160 into audio data and transmits the audio data to server 200 . Processor 210 of server 200, as distribution module 201B, generates distribution information according to the received audio data. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C, as the viewing module 101C, outputs audio from the speaker 162 according to the distribution information.

- Viewing content may include general user's voice. Processor 110 of general terminal 100A converts an audio signal received from microphone 160 into audio data and transmits the audio data to server 200 as distribution module 101B. Processor 210 of server 200, as distribution module 201B, generates distribution information according to the audio data received from general terminal 100A.

- The content for viewing may include character data. Processor 110 of distribution terminal 100B, as distribution module 101B, receives character data input operation and transmits character data indicated by the input operation to server 200 . The processor 210 of the server 200, as the delivery module 201B, transmits the received character data to the viewing terminal 100C. The processor 110 of the viewing terminal 100C displays the received character data on the monitor 166 as the viewing module 101C.

・One or more modules included in the

control modules

101 and 201 are realized by circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and MCU (Micro Control Unit). You may

- One or more modules included in the

control modules

101 and 201 may be realized by software using a processor. A computer comprising at least one of the

control modules

101, 201 comprises a processor, memory and storage. The above programs and various data are recorded in the storage so that the processor can read them. Programs are deployed in memory. The effect of the present disclosure is realized by the processor reading the program from the storage and executing it. The storage, as already explained, can be implemented as a non-volatile storage device.

- The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program.
・The program may be recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.). good.

The disclosure includes the following examples. Elements of the embodiments are numbered as an aid to understanding and not for purposes of limitation.
(Appendix 1) Defining a virtual space (80) for providing a game including operating a character (81) in the computer (200) (S210), and allowing a distributor to participate in the game ( S212), generating distribution information according to the game play of the distributor (S108), and transmitting the distribution information to a viewing terminal (100C) used by each of a plurality of viewers, whereby each viewing is performed. enabling a video containing said gameplay to be viewed using a terminal (S128); counting said plurality of viewers (S308, S318, S328); In this case, changing the game conditions in the virtual space according to whether the counted number of viewers is the first number of viewers or a second number of viewers greater than the first number of viewers ( S310, S320, S330) and a program for executing.

(Supplementary Note 2) The program according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein there are a plurality of timings at which the specific condition can be satisfied in the game.
(Appendix 3) The program according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein the number of times the game conditions can be changed has an upper limit.

(Appendix 4) The probability that the game condition is changed is any one of Appendices 1 to 3 that differs depending on whether the number of viewers is the first number of viewers or the second number of viewers. 1. The program according to item 1.

(Appendix 5) The game condition includes a plurality of conditional elements, and changing the game condition (S310, S320, S330) is performed when the number of viewers is the first number of viewers or the number of the second viewers. 4. The program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein part or all of the plurality of conditional elements are changed according to the number of persons.

(Appendix 6) A computer (200) comprising a storage device (230) storing the program according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, and a processor (210) executing the program stored in the storage device ).

(Appendix 7) A system (10) comprising the computer (200) according to appendix 6.
(Appendix 8) The computer (200) defines a virtual space (80) for providing a game including manipulating characters (S210), and having the distributor participate in the game (S212). , generating distribution information according to the game play of the distributor (S108); (S128), counting the plurality of viewers (S308, S318, S328), and when a specific condition is satisfied in the game, changing the game conditions in the virtual space according to whether the counted number of viewers is the first number of viewers or a second number of viewers larger than the first number of viewers (S310, S320); , S330).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its technical spirit. For example, some of the components described in the embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) may be omitted, or some components may be combined. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

TB1-TB3 Changed lottery table 10 Game system 40A First home screen 40B Second home screen 45 Matching screen 50A First battle screen 50B Second battle screen 55 First Result screen 60 Second result screen 61 HP bar 62 HP bar 65 List screen 70 Viewing screen 80 Virtual space

80A Game space

80B Viewing space 81 Avatar 81D Grave marker object 82 Field object 82A Field 83 Specified object 85 Virtual camera 85D Shooting range 90 Network 100 Terminal

100A General terminal

100B Distribution terminal 100C Viewing terminal , 101... control module, 101A... game module, 101B... delivery module, 101C... viewing module, 104... rendering module, 105... memory module, 106... communication module, 107... input/output module, 110... processor, 120... memory, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130... Storage, 140... Communication interface, 150... Input/output interface, 160... Microphone, 162... Speaker, 164... Touch screen, 166... Monitor, 167... Touch sensor, 180... Communication bus, 190... Input/output device, 200... Server

200A Game server

200B Delivery server 201 Control module

201A Game module

201B Delivery module 205 Memory module 206 Communication module 207 Input/output module 210 Processor 220 Memory , 230... Storage, 240... Communication interface, 250... Input/output interface, 280... Communication bus, 401... Avatar window, 404... Battle icon, 406... Character icon, 407... Distribution start icon, 408... Home button, 409... Viewing Buttons 410...Viewing user number counter 451...Avatar window 480...Distribution panel 480a...Viewing user number 501...Scoreboard 509...Viewing user number counter 511...Remaining time timer 513...Section notification object 514 ... change content object 605 ... acquisition point panel 701 ... viewing window 703 ... member icon 704 ... chat window 705 ... button 709 ... viewing user number counter 711 ... remaining time timer 713 ... section notification object 714 ... change object, 811A ... avatar, 812A ... avatar

Claims

to the computer,
defining a virtual space for providing a game including manipulating a character; having a distributor participate in the game;
generating distribution information according to the game play of the distributor;
transmitting the distribution information to a viewing terminal used by each of a plurality of viewers so that the video including the game play can be viewed using each viewing terminal;
counting the plurality of viewers;
When a specific condition is satisfied in the game, the virtual A program that changes the game conditions in space and causes it to run.
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of timings at which said specific condition can be satisfied in said game.
3. The program according to claim 1, wherein the number of times the game conditions can be changed has an upper limit.
4. The probability that the game condition is changed differs depending on whether the number of viewers is the first number of viewers or the second number of viewers. program described in .
The game condition includes a plurality of conditional elements,
Changing the game condition includes changing part or all of the plurality of conditional elements depending on whether the number of viewers is the first number of viewers or the second number of viewers. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
a storage device storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
and a processor that executes programs stored in the storage device.
A system comprising a computer according to claim 6.
the computer
defining a virtual space for providing a game including manipulating a character; having a distributor participate in the game;
generating distribution information according to the game play of the distributor;
transmitting the distribution information to a viewing terminal used by each of a plurality of viewers so that the video including the game play can be viewed using each viewing terminal;
counting the plurality of viewers;
When a specific condition is satisfied in the game, the virtual changing game conditions in space; and a method of performing.