JPH11253659A - Relay-from-spot device for game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adequately judge a game situation from the voice of relay from the spot and to enjoy a multi-player game with another player by generating relay voice data of relay contents in accordance with the situation of a multi- player game and distributing the relay voice data to the game machine of a specified player. SOLUTION: The game arithmetic part 52 of a processing part 50 repeatedly executes a processing at every 1/60 sec. based on an input signal from an operating part 40, game data from another game machine, which is inputted from a transmitting/receiving part 48, and a program and data, or the like, which are stored in an information storage medium 46, the results are outputted to an image generating part 54 and also they are transmitted to another game machine and a relay-from-spot device with the part 48. Then, the device specifies the game machine related to the relay contents from data of relay from the spot, which is outputted by voice, and selectively transmits relay-from-spot voice data to the specified game machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a game live broadcasting device, a game system, and an information storage medium for live broadcasting of a multiplayer game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a multiplayer game system, there is a system which relays a live broadcast of a game (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-215433).
issue). Such a game system will not only allow players playing multiplayer games, but also galleries that do not participate in the game to be able to enjoy the game by broadcasting the game live. Can be.

However, conventionally, a live broadcast sound of a multiplayer game output from a live broadcast apparatus to a gallery is provided in association with a sound output from each game machine constituting the system to each player. However, there is no game system that enables a multiplayer game that is more interesting for both the player and the gallery.

Further, the conventional live broadcast device needs to judge a multiplayer game situation based on data received from each game machine, and to calculate voice data of relay contents according to the game situation in real time. . For this reason, there is a problem that the operation load of the live broadcast device used in the system becomes extremely large.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a predetermined association between a sound broadcasted live to a gallery and a sound output to an individual player, and to provide a more interesting live broadcast for a game with high customer attraction. A relay device, a game system, and an information storage medium are provided.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a game live broadcast device, a game system, and an information storage medium that can perform a live broadcast according to the situation of a multiplayer game with a small calculation load.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, wherein the apparatus generates relay voice data of a relay content according to a situation of the multiplayer game. And a first specifying unit that specifies a player associated with the relay content, and distributes the relay voice data to the game machine of the specified player.

[0008] With the above arrangement, a live broadcast corresponding to the status of a multiplayer game is output from the live broadcast relay device for a game to the gallery, and
A game machine of the player related to the content of the live broadcast is selectively specified from among the plurality of game machines, and the live broadcast audio data is distributed.

[0009] Therefore, a player participating in the game can accurately judge the game situation from the live broadcast sound and enjoy a multiplayer game with another player.

[0010] In particular, according to the present invention, the live broadcast sound output from the live broadcast apparatus allows the gallery to enjoy the game, and the player of each game machine can
If the gallery responds during the live broadcast of your own device, you can understand that the gallery has responded to your play. For this reason, each player can enjoy the game as if he / she were the protagonist of the game by being integrated with the gallery. As a result,
According to the present invention, both players and galleries can be strongly motivated to participate in the game, and a multi-player game system with high customer attraction can be realized.

[0011] Here, it is preferable that the game live relay device is formed so as to include relay voice output means for outputting the relay voice data by voice.

[0012] Further, the relay voice calculating means determines a status of the multiplayer game from a game status of each player, and a relay voice data of a relay content according to the determined status of the multiplayer game. And a second means for generating

[0013] Further, the live broadcast relay device for games of the present invention,
It is preferable to include a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of game machines playing a multiplayer game, to determine the status of the multiplayer game from the received data, and to perform the live broadcast.

[0014] The game live broadcast device of the present invention may be formed as a device independent of a plurality of game machines constituting the game system.

In this case, a game system for playing a multiplayer game with a plurality of game machines includes the game live broadcasting device for transmitting and receiving data to and from the plurality of game machines. Then, each of the game machines outputs the relay audio data distributed from the live game relay device.

[0016] In addition to the above, the live broadcast device may cause any one of the plurality of game machines constituting the game system to function as a live broadcast device for games.

In this case, the game system for playing a multiplayer game with a plurality of game machines causes any of the plurality of game machines to function as the game live broadcast device. Then, each of the game machines outputs the relay voice data distributed from the game machine functioning as the game live broadcast device.

The present invention also provides a computer-readable information storage medium that stores information for performing a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, so that the computer functions as the game live broadcast apparatus. The information for generating the relay audio data of the relay content according to the situation of the player game, the information for identifying the player related to the relay content, and the relay audio data are transmitted to the game machine of the specified player. And information for distribution.

This allows a predetermined computer to function as the game live broadcast device.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing a live relay of a multiplayer game, wherein the second specifying means for specifying relay status data from the received status data of each game machine is specified. And a relay voice operation means for generating relay voice data of the relay content according to the situation data, wherein the relay voice data is output as voice.

With the above configuration, the game live broadcast device of the present invention specifies relay status data from the status data transmitted from each game machine, and outputs audio data having a content corresponding to the specified status data. Compute and output data. That is, the live broadcast device of the present invention may select a high-priority situation as the development of the game from the game situations transmitted from each game machine, and broadcast the live broadcast. Therefore, the calculation load can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the live broadcast device calculates such situation data for live broadcast.

If it is determined that none of the situation data transmitted from each game machine is worthy of live broadcast, the live broadcast apparatus determines the situation of the multiplayer game by itself and takes this situation. The corresponding relay voice may be calculated and output.

In the present invention, it is preferable that each of the game machines is formed so as to calculate the game situation data of the game machine itself and transmit the data to the game live broadcast apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium storing information for performing a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, wherein the status data for each game machine is obtained from the received status data. , And information for generating the relay voice data of the relay content according to the specified situation data.

By using such an information storage medium, a computer can function as the broadcast relay apparatus.

[0026]

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a case where the present invention is applied to a car racing game will be described as an example, but the game to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a multi-player game system to which the present invention is applied. The game system according to the embodiment includes four game machines 10-1, 10-2,..., 10-4 which are connected via a communication line 32 and transmit and receive data to and from each other to perform a multiplayer game.
And one live broadcast relay device 20.

Each of the game devices 10-1, 10-2,.
On the display 18 of FIG. 4, not only the player's own car running on the racing course set in the same game space but also a racing car controlled by another machine and a computer appear.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 18. In the center of the screen, a state in which a player car 110 driven by the player is running on the course 100 is displayed, and before and after that, a racing car 112 controlled by another player or a computer is displayed. Furthermore, the ranking 120 is displayed on the upper right of the screen, and the game elapsed time 122 is displayed on the lower left. Further, in the right corner of the screen, the course map 13 of the course 100 is displayed.
0 is displayed, and the course map 130 includes a mark 132-indicating the running position of each of the player cars 110 and 112.
.., 132-4 are displayed. In the present embodiment, the face image of each player captured by the CCD camera 30 provided in each game machine 10 is the mark 13
.., 132-4. Thereby, each player sees the face photograph mark 132 displayed on the course map 130, thereby instantaneously and accurately judging the traveling position and ranking of the player and the other players, and setting a game strategy. it can.

Each game machine 10-1, 10-2... 10-4
The player sitting on the seat 12 operates the steering wheel 14, the accelerator 16, and the brake 15, controls the player's own car while watching the game screen displayed on the display unit 18, and ranks with other player's cars. Compete in multiplayer games.

At this time, the pattern of the multi-player race is broadcasted live by the game live broadcast device 20 to the surrounding galleries as sounds and images. Thus, not only the player but also the surrounding galleries can enjoy the game.

That is, a live broadcast sound is output from the speaker 24 as described later. Then, on the display unit 22, a relay game screen in which the viewpoint position is set for live broadcast is displayed in the same manner as the game screen shown in FIG.
In particular, the course map 130 and the mark 132 are also displayed on the display unit 22 of the live broadcast device 20. For this reason, the gallery can instantly judge the status of the multiplayer game from the course map and the like, and enjoy the game watching.

At this time, the live broadcast apparatus 20 specifies the game machine 10 related to the broadcast content from the live broadcast data to be output as voice, and selectively transmits the live broadcast audio data to the specified game machine 10. Send to

In each game machine 10, a seat speaker is embedded in a headrest portion of a seat 12, and outputs game sound effects and the like to a player. In particular, the live broadcast data transmitted from the live broadcast device 20 is output as audio from the sheet speaker 12 to the player.

As described above, according to the system of the present embodiment, the surrounding galleries watching the live broadcast device 20 provide a live broadcast of the current game overall image and the most noticeable situation. Looking at the display screen of the display unit 22,
Furthermore, it is possible to understand by listening to the live broadcast sound output from the speaker 22, and it is possible to enjoy watching the racing game as if watching or listening to an actual TV broadcast.

Further, each of the game machines 10-1, 10-2,.
All the players playing the multiplayer game at 10-4 hear the live broadcast sound selectively delivered from the live broadcast apparatus 20 as described above, and as if they became the main character of the race. You can play the game with a feeling, and you can be absorbed in game play.

In particular, the live broadcast apparatus 20 distributes live broadcast audio data only to the game machines 10 related to the live broadcast contents, and does not perform this broadcast to other game machines 10. For this reason, since the player of each game machine 10 hears only the live broadcast sound associated with the player, each player accurately determines the game situation from the live broadcast sound and enjoys a battle with another player. be able to.

In addition, when the live broadcast sound is output from each game machine 10, the content is the same as the live broadcast from the live broadcast apparatus 20 to the surrounding gallery. For this reason, a player listening to the live broadcast when a cheer comes up from the gallery watching the live broadcast apparatus 20 can instantly determine that the cheer is directed to himself, and the gallery And a sense of unity with the player, and a more interesting multiplayer game can be realized.

Next, the configurations of the game machines 10 and the live broadcast device 20 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game machine 10. As shown in FIG.

Here, the operation unit 40 is for the player to input operation data by operating the steering wheel 14, the pedals 15 and 16, and the operation data obtained by the operation unit 40 is input to the processing unit 50. Is done.

The processing unit 50 arranges the display unit in the object space based on the operation data and the given program, and performs processing for generating an image of the object space viewed from a given viewpoint. And processing for calculating and generating audio data for the game.

The information storage medium 46 stores programs and data. The processing unit 50 performs various processes based on the programs, data, and the like stored in the information storage medium 46.

The transmission / reception unit 48 transmits / receives data to / from another game machine and the live broadcast apparatus 20 via the communication line 32.

The processing section 50 includes a game calculation section 52, a speech storage section 53, an image generation section 54, and a voice generation section 56.

The game calculation section 52 performs a game mode setting process, a game progressing process, a process for determining a position and a direction of a moving car, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a direction of a line of sight, and arranging an object in an object space. Perform processing. Such a series of processing is performed by the operation unit 40
This is repeated every 1/60 second based on an input signal from the game device, game data from another game machine 10 input from the transmission / reception unit 48, programs and data stored in the information storage medium 46, and the like. Then, the calculation result is output to the image generation unit 54 and transmitted to the other game machine 10 and the live broadcast relay device 20 via the transmission / reception unit 48.

The image generation section 54 performs processing for generating an image of the object space set by the game calculation section 52 as viewed from a given viewpoint, and performs processing for displaying other game information. The image generated by the generation unit 54 is displayed on the display unit 42, for example, as a game image shown in FIG.

The game operation section 52 includes a relay voice operation section 58.

The relay voice calculation section 58 calculates and generates relay voice data of the relay content according to the game situation of the own device.
This is output to the audio generation unit 56. Further, the relay voice operation unit 58 transmits the game status of the own device to the transmission / reception unit 48.
To the live broadcast relay device 20 via.

In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the load for generating the voice for live broadcast, the speech storage unit 53 is used.
, Speech data for live broadcast is stored.

FIG. 5 shows a specific example of the speech data.

In the present embodiment, speech data for live broadcast is stored in association with a speech number.
Further, a part of the speech data is formed so as to function also as game situation data representing the game situation of the own device.

The relay voice operation unit 58 includes a speech storage unit 5
From the dialogue data stored in No.3, a process for obtaining a dialogue number of the dialogue data representing the game situation of the own device is performed. Then, the obtained speech number is output to the audio generation unit 56 as relay audio data for live relay of the own device. Further, the dialogue number thus obtained is transmitted to the live broadcast apparatus 20 via the transmission / reception unit 48 as the status data of the own device.

When such a speech number is input, the speech generation unit 56 reads the speech data corresponding to the speech number from the speech storage unit 53, converts the speech data into a speech signal, and outputs the speech signal to the sound output unit 44 (sheet speaker). ) Is output as a live broadcast.

When the live broadcast data (a speech number in this embodiment), which will be described later, is distributed from the live broadcast apparatus 20 via the transmission / reception section 48, the relay voice calculation section 58 converts this speech number into a voice. Output to the generation unit 56. Thereby, the speech generation unit 56 reads the speech data corresponding to the speech number from the speech storage unit 53 using the same method as described above, and outputs the speech data from the sound output unit 44 as speech.

As described above, in each of the game machines 10, the live broadcast data calculated by the game output device 44 and the live broadcast data distributed from the live broadcast device 20 are output as sound to the player. become.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the live broadcast device 20.

The live broadcast device 20 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 72 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the game machine 10 via the communication line 32, a processing unit 70, an information storage medium 74, a display unit 76, a sound output And a unit 78. The sound output unit 78 includes an amplifier and the speaker 24 described above.

The information storage medium 74 stores programs and data. The functions of the information storage media 46 and 74 are as follows.
ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, D
It can be realized by hardware such as a VD, a hard disk, and a memory.

The processing section 70 performs various processes based on the programs and data from the information storage medium.

The processing unit 70 performs processing for generating an image for live broadcasting based on data received via the transmission / reception unit 72 and programs and data stored in the information storage medium 74, and processing for live broadcasting. Is performed, the generated image is displayed on the display unit 76, and the sound is output via the sound output unit 78.

The functions of the processing units 50 and 70 are controlled by the CPU (CI
SC type, RISC type), a DSP, an image generation IC, a memory and the like.

The processing unit 70 includes a relay data operation unit 8
0, speech storage unit 85, image generation unit 82, voice generation unit 84
It is comprised including.

The relay data operation unit 80 includes the transmission / reception unit 7
2 to calculate the situation of the multiplayer game based on the data of each of the game machines 10 received via the PC 2 and a given program. Then, the object space in which the multiplayer game is played and the viewpoint position thereof are calculated, and the calculation data is output to the image generation unit 82.

The image generation unit 82 performs a process of generating a game image in which the object space calculated in this manner is viewed from a given viewpoint in a predetermined line of sight, and the generated image is displayed on the display unit 76. It is displayed as a relay screen.

Further, the relay data calculating section 80 calculates the live broadcast audio data based on the situation of the multiplayer game and the like, and outputs the calculated live broadcast audio data using the voice generating section 84. Then, the sound is converted into sound and output via the sound output unit 78.

In the present embodiment, the speech storage unit 8
5 includes speech data similar to those of the game machines 10 described above,
That is, speech data as shown in FIG. 5 is stored in association with speech numbers.

In the present embodiment, the relay data calculation unit 80 calculates the live broadcast audio data as
From the speech data stored in the speech storage unit 85, a process for obtaining the speech number of the speech data representing the game situation of the own device is performed. Then, the speech generation unit 84 uses the obtained speech number as relay voice data for live broadcast of the own device.
Output to

When such a speech number is input, the speech generation unit 84 reads speech data corresponding to the speech number from the speech storage unit 85, converts the speech data into a speech signal, and outputs the speech data to the sound output unit 44 (speaker 24). ) Is output as a live broadcast.

Further, the relay data calculation section 80 specifies the game machine 10 related to the calculated relay voice data, and sets the relay voice data (in this embodiment, the speech number).
Is selectively transmitted to the specified game machine 10.

This embodiment is characterized in that the live broadcast
Is stored in the dialog storage unit 85 of each game machine 10.
Is stored with the same speech number assigned to the same speech number as the speech data representing the situation of each game machine stored in.

Thus, transmission of the live broadcast audio data from the live broadcast apparatus 20 to the corresponding game machine 10
The transmission of the situation data from each game machine 10 to the live broadcast relay device 20 can be similarly performed using the dialogue number. This allows
The data transmission / reception amount between the live broadcast device 20 and each game machine 10 can be greatly reduced, and the communication line 32 can be used effectively.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a functional block diagram for the relay data calculation section 80 to calculate the live relay voice data.

The relay data calculating section 80 includes a relay voice calculating section 90, a distribution destination specifying section 94 functioning as a first specifying section, and a situation specifying section 9 functioning as a second specifying section.
6 is included.

The relay voice calculation unit 90 calculates voice data of relay contents according to the multiplayer game situation based on the data of each game machine 10 received via the transmission / reception unit 72 and a predetermined game program. The voice data calculated at this time is obtained as the speech number of the speech data shown in FIG.

Then, the speech generation unit 84 reads the speech data corresponding to the calculated speech number from the speech storage unit 85, and outputs the speech data corresponding to the speech data to the sound output unit 78.
Audio output from

The transmission / reception controller 92 controls data transmission / reception via the transmission / reception unit 72.

The distribution destination specifying section 94 performs a process of specifying the game machine 10 related to the voice data calculated by the relay voice calculating section 90.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the live broadcast apparatus 20 outputs a live broadcast of “No. 3 has been skipped”, the distribution destination specifying unit 94 sends the broadcast live broadcast data. First, the first and third game machines are specified. Then, the transmission / reception control unit 92 sets the specified 1
The relay data calculated by the relay voice calculation unit 90, here, the speech number, is selectively transmitted to the third and third game machines 10-1 and 10-3 via the transmission / reception unit 72. This relay data is not transmitted to other game machines.

The game machine 10-
1, 10-3 reads the speech corresponding to the speech number transmitted as the relay data from the speech storage unit 53, and outputs the speech from the voice output unit 44. In other words, it outputs a live broadcast sound that "No. 1 has passed No. 3."

As described above, each game machine 10-
.., 10-4, the situation data representing the game situation of each game machine 10 is transmitted as a dialogue number to the live broadcast relay apparatus 20. Receives the status data transmitted from.

At this time, the information specifying unit 96 deserves to be broadcast live in each situation data (line number) received from each of the game machines 10-1, 10-2,. It is determined whether status data exists.
Further, when there are a plurality of target situation data, it determines which situation data has the highest priority, and performs a process of specifying relay situation data.

For example, as shown in FIG.
When a plurality of dialog numbers representing the game situations of -1, 10-2,..., 10-4 are received, the situation specifying unit 96 selects the game situation having the highest priority for the live broadcast,
That is, the speech number is specified. Here, game machine 1
It is determined that the status data from 0-2 has the highest priority. Then, the situation data, that is, the speech number, is output to the speech generation unit 84 via the relay speech calculation unit 90, and the speech data corresponding to the speech number is read from the speech storage unit 85. For example, “No. In front of you. "

As described above, the live broadcast device of the present embodiment generates voice data for live broadcast based on the situation data transmitted from each game machine 10, particularly the speech number. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the calculation load for identifying the game situation of each game machine 10 and generating the corresponding live broadcast audio data.

If it is determined that all of the situation data received from each game machine 10 is not worthy of live broadcast, all of the received situation data is ignored, and the relay voice operation unit 90 performs the processing described above. The voice data for the live broadcast is separately calculated, and the voice is output via the voice generation unit 84 and the sound output unit 78.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for outputting a live broadcast sound of each game machine 10, and FIG.
The flowchart for the live broadcast voice generation of the live broadcast device 20 is shown.

In the multi-player game system of the embodiment, when a game is started, each of the game machines 10-1 and 10-2
10-4 and game data are transmitted and received between the live broadcast device 20 and each of the game machines 10-1, 10-2,.
-4 means that a multiplayer game is played in the same game space. At this time, the live broadcast data of the multiplayer game is calculated by the live broadcast device 20 and output to a surrounding gallery as an image and a relay sound.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, each game machine 10 receives data from the other game machines 10 and the live broadcast relay device 20 via the communication line 32 (step S10). Using other data,
Calculation of the status data for the live relay of the own device is performed (step S12). The situation data calculated at this time is obtained as a speech number of the speech data stored in the speech storage unit 53 as shown in FIG.

Then, the speech data corresponding to the calculated situation data is read from the speech storage unit 53, and is output to the player via the audio output unit 78 such as a sheet speaker as a live broadcast voice (step S16). ).

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In 0-1, 10-2,..., 10-4, the live broadcast sound indicating the situation unique to each game machine is output as sound to the player via the sheet speaker.

The situation data calculated in each game machine 10 in this manner is transmitted from each game 10 to the live broadcast apparatus 20 as a dialogue number (step S14).

As shown in FIG.
Receives the status data transmitted from each of the game machines 10 in this manner (step S30), and identifies, from the received status data, the status data having the highest priority worthy of the live broadcast. Perform (Step S3
2). For example, when it is determined that the situation data of the game machine 10-2 is the most important, the live broadcast sound corresponding to the situation data is directed to the gallery, for example, "No. 2, the goal is in front of you." Output audio. At this time, naturally, the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction of the live broadcast screen displayed on the display unit 76 are set at positions where the player car of the game machine 10-2 is projected.

[0093] In this manner, the live broadcast apparatus 20 allows each of the game machines 1 participating in the multiplayer game.
.. 10-4, respectively, can generate and output live broadcast audio data only by determining the importance of the speech number. For this reason, it is possible to greatly reduce the calculation load for performing the live broadcast of each game machine.

If the status data for relay is not specified in step S32, that is, if it is determined that status data worthy of live relay has not been transmitted, in step S34, the live relay device 20 determines the state of the multiplayer game from each of the received game machines, and calculates audio data according to the game state. For example, when it is determined that the first player car has overtaken the third player car, a live broadcast sound saying "No. 1 has passed third player" as shown in FIG. The image is output to the gallery via the output unit 78, and the scene where No. 3 is skipped is displayed on the display unit 76 as an image (step S36).

Further, a process for specifying the game machine 10 related to the contents of the live broadcast sound is performed. If such a game machine 10 exists, the relay sound data calculated for the game machine (this embodiment) In the form of dialogue number)
(Steps S38, S40, S4)
2).

Therefore, when the live broadcast as shown in FIG. 8 is performed, the first and third game machines 10-1 and 10-1
Towards -3, a speech number representing live broadcast data is selectively transmitted.

The game machines 10-1 and 103 to which the live broadcast audio data has been transmitted as described above receive this data in step S10 shown in FIG.
At 20, the speech data corresponding to the speech number is read from the speech storage unit 53, and the speech is output from the sheet speaker to the player.

At this time, the speech data stored in each of the game machines 10 and the speech storage units 53 and 85 of the live broadcast relay device 20 need not be completely the same. What is necessary is that the speech data represent the same contents in a word. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the dialogue specified by the same dialogue number is the game machine 10-2.
In contrast to this, it may be said that "the goal is just before the goal." On the other hand, the live broadcast apparatus 20 may form "No. 2, the goal is in front of you."

Each of the game machines 10 and the live broadcast apparatus 20 executes the processing of FIGS.
2. The process is repeated until it is determined in S44 that the game is over.

As described above, in the multi-player game system of the present embodiment, the gallery viewing the relay screen of the live broadcast device 20 displays the current overall flow of the multi-player game and the current state of interest. Can be heard as a live broadcast, and it is possible to watch and enjoy a multiplayer game as if watching or listening to an actual television broadcast.

At the same time, all players participating in the multi-player can listen to the live broadcast sound mainly for themselves. In particular, the live broadcast device 2
0, you can selectively listen to the live broadcast audio for yourself from the live broadcast audio that is being broadcast live, so that each player can play the game as if he / she were the protagonist of the race. Can be addicted.

Furthermore, when applause or cheers are raised from the surrounding gallery, it is possible to immediately and audibly judge whether or not the applause or cheers are directed to oneself. At a circuit race venue, you can enjoy a game effect as if you are racing with the support of the audience.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the game machine 10 and the live broadcast device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in FIG.
PU 1000, ROM 1002, RAM 1004, information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC
1010 and I / O ports 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other by a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. The image generating IC 1010 has a display unit 1
018 is connected, and the sound generation IC 1008 is connected to the speaker 1
020 is connected, the control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and the communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores a program, image data for expressing a display object, sound data for generating a relay voice, and the like. For example, a CD as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like
-ROM, game cassette, DVD, ROM, etc. are used.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, or the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. Further, a data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment (for example, a data structure for generating object data and relay voice) is defined by R
It will be built on AM or information storage medium.

Further, this kind of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
Based on the information stored in 002, live broadcast audio,
An integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music.
Output by 0. Also, an image generation IC 1010
Are the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, and the information storage medium 1
Display unit 101 based on the image information sent from
8 is an integrated circuit that generates image information to be output to the IC card 8. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can be used as the display portion 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various kinds of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device or a live broadcast device to transmit given information corresponding to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving, and for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication circuit.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 include an information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11, a CPU 1000 operating according to the program, and an image generation device. This is realized by the IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like. Processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like is performed by the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DS.
It may be performed by software using P or the like.

FIG. 1 described above shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. In this case, a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound generation IC are mounted on a system board 1106 built in each game machine 10 and the live broadcast device 20.

At this time, the memory 110 serving as an information storage medium of the system board 1106 mounted on each game machine 10
8 includes at least information for calculating the game situation of the own device and outputting the live relay data of the own device as voice and information for outputting the live relay data transmitted from the live relay device 20 as the voice. It is memorized.

A memory 1108 which is an information storage medium of the system board 1106 mounted on the live broadcast relay device 20
Stores at least information for outputting a live broadcast of a multi-player game. This information includes information for generating relay voice data of relay content according to a multi-player game situation, information for specifying a player related to the relay content, and the relay voice on a game machine of the specified player. And at least information for distributing data. Further, the information is information for specifying relay status data from the received status data of each game machine, and information for generating relay voice data of relay contents according to the specified status data. At least.

Hereinafter, the information stored in the information storage medium of each of the game machines 10 and the live broadcast relay device 20 will be referred to as stored information.

FIG. 7B shows a game device including a host device 1300 and game terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and a relay terminal 1306 connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302. An example in which a form is applied is shown. In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, 1306
However, when the host device 1300 has a CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and a sound generation IC and can generate a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner,
A game program or the like for generating a game image and a game sound is delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and 1306. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, 1306.
And output it at the terminal.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a case where a plurality of independent game machines 10-1, 10-2,.
And the case using the independent broadcast relay device 20 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and any one of the plurality of game machines 10-1, 10-2,. One may be configured to function as the above-described broadcast relay device 20.

Further, in the above embodiment, each game machine 1
Although the case where a speech number is used as the situation data transmitted / received between 0 and the live broadcast apparatus 20 and the live broadcast audio data has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. May be transmitted / received. For example, it may be configured to transmit and receive the dialogue itself for the relay voice as the relay voice data.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a car competition game has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various games (other competition games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, Shooting games, etc.).

[0119]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overview explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a multi-player game system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an example of a functional block diagram of the game machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of speech data used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an example of a functional block diagram of a live broadcast device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an example of a more detailed functional block diagram of a relay data operation unit in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of transmitting live broadcast data from the live broadcast device to each game machine.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example in a case where data is transmitted from each game to a live broadcast device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating generation and output of a live broadcast sound of the game machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining generation and output of a live broadcast voice of the live broadcast device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration that can implement the present embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of another embodiment to which the present embodiment is applied;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10-1, 10-2 ... 10-4 Game machine 20 Live broadcast device 24 Speaker 44, 78 Sound output unit 46, 74 Information storage medium 48, 72 Transmission / reception unit 50, 70 Processing unit 53, 85 Dialogue storage unit 56, 84 Voice generation unit 58 Relay voice calculation unit 80 Relay data calculation unit 90 Relay voice calculation unit 94 Delivery destination specification unit 96 Situation specification unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for relaying a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, comprising: a relay voice calculating means for generating relay voice data of a relay content according to a situation of the multiplayer game; and specifying a player associated with the relay content. And a first specifying means for transmitting the relay voice data to the game machine of the specified player. 2. The live broadcast device for games according to claim 1, further comprising: a relay audio output unit that outputs the relay audio data as audio. 3. The multi-player game according to claim 1, wherein the relay voice calculating means determines a situation of the multi-player game from a game situation of each player, and the determined situation of the multi-player game. 2. A live broadcast device for games, comprising: second means for generating relay voice data of relay contents according to the following. 4. The live broadcast according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from a plurality of game machines playing a multi-player game, judging a status of the multi-player game from received data. A live broadcast device for games. 5. A game system for playing a multiplayer game with a plurality of game machines, wherein data is transmitted and received with the plurality of game machines.
4. A game system, comprising: the live broadcast device for games according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein each of the game machines outputs the relay voice data distributed from the live broadcast device for game. 6. A game system for playing a multi-player game with a plurality of game machines, wherein one of the plurality of game machines functions as the game live broadcast device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A game system, wherein the game machine outputs the relay voice data delivered from the game machine functioning as the game live broadcast device. 7. An apparatus for relaying a live broadcast of a multi-player game, comprising: a second identification unit that identifies relay status data from the received status data of each game machine; And a relay voice operation means for generating relay voice data of the corresponding relay content, wherein the relay voice data is output as voice. 8. The live broadcast device according to claim 1, further comprising: second specifying means for specifying relay status data from the received status data of each game machine, The live broadcast relay device for a game, wherein the relay voice calculation means is configured to generate relay voice data of a relay content according to the specified situation data, and outputs the relay voice data as a voice. 9. A game system for performing a multi-player game with a plurality of game machines, wherein data is transmitted and received with the plurality of game machines.
A game relay device for any one of the above-described game machines, wherein each of the game machines calculates the game situation data of the game device itself and transmits the data to the game relay device for game. system. 10. A computer-readable information storage medium storing information for performing a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, the information being used to generate relay audio data of the relay content according to the situation of the multiplayer game. An information storage medium comprising: information for specifying a player related to relay contents; and information for delivering the relay voice data to a game machine of the specified player. 11. A computer-readable information storage medium which stores information for performing a live broadcast of a multiplayer game, and for specifying relay status data from received game machine status data. An information storage medium, comprising: information for generating relay voice data of relay content corresponding to specified situation data.