JP7535352B1 - Game live distribution system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To enhance the sense of unity between broadcasters and viewers to create excitement in live game broadcasts. [Problem Means] A game live broadcast system according to a first aspect is a game live broadcast system for live game broadcasting between multiple users including broadcasters and viewers, and includes a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout rate when a vote made by the user predicting the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition, a broadcasting unit that broadcasts a live video of the game played by the broadcaster to the viewers, and a vote accepting unit that accepts the votes from the broadcaster and also accepts the votes from the viewers. [Selected Figure] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a game live streaming system and program.

In recent years, various video distribution services have become popular as various devices such as smartphones have become more powerful and functional, and as communication speeds over the Internet have increased. In particular, live game distribution services have become available, which distribute gameplay videos in which a broadcaster provides commentary as he or she plays a game to viewers in real time.

In game live streaming systems that provide such game live streaming services, various communication functions are implemented to enable communication between broadcasters who broadcast game play-by-play videos and viewers who watch the game play-by-play videos. For example, in game live streaming systems, a chat area is displayed along with a game play-by-play video on a terminal, allowing viewers to communicate with the broadcaster through comments (chats). Furthermore, in recent years, it has become possible for viewers to send gifts (support gifts) to broadcasters on game live streaming services. By purchasing such gifts and sending them to broadcasters, viewers can support their favorite broadcasters and use them as an opportunity to communicate with them.

Meanwhile, there is a service available that allows users to place bets on public races such as horse races, boat races, and bicycle races via a communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Users of this service predict the outcome of the race and place their bets by placing a bet of value, such as money, on their prediction. The votes are accepted by a server, and once the race results are finalized, the user is given a payout (payout) according to the winning bet.

JP 2023-000686 A

In conventional live game streaming services, streamers broadcast live video of the game they are playing to viewers, and viewers simply provide comments and gifts to the streamer while watching the live video, but viewers rarely participate in the content of the game.

As a result, conventional technology makes it difficult to enhance the sense of unity between broadcasters and viewers in live game broadcasts, and there is room for improvement in terms of creating excitement in live game broadcasts.

The present invention aims to provide a game live streaming system and program that can enhance the sense of unity between streamers and viewers and create excitement for game live streaming.

The game live streaming system according to the first aspect is a game live streaming system for live streaming a game between multiple users including broadcasters and viewers, and includes a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier when the user's vote for the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a winning condition, a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the broadcaster to the viewers, and a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the broadcaster and also accepts the votes from the viewers.

The program according to the second aspect is a program for live streaming a game between multiple users, including a broadcaster and viewers, and causes a computer to function as a game providing unit that provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout according to a payout multiplier if the user's vote for the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a winning condition, a distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the broadcaster to the viewers, and a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes by the broadcaster and also accepts the votes by the viewers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game live streaming system and program that can enhance the sense of unity between the streamer and the viewers, and create excitement for the game live streaming.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a game live streaming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of a betting game provided by a distribution server according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a distribution server according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on a viewer's terminal according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a distribution server according to a modified example.

The following describes a live game streaming system according to an embodiment, with reference to the drawings. The live game streaming system is a system for live game streaming between multiple users, including streamers and viewers. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

(1) System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game live streaming system 1 according to this embodiment. The game live streaming system 1 realizes a game live streaming service that provides viewers with a live video in real time, which is a gameplay video in which a broadcaster plays and comments on the game. In the illustrated example, there is one viewer watching the live video by the broadcaster, but there may be multiple viewers watching the live video by the broadcaster. When there is no need to distinguish between the broadcaster and the viewer, they are also simply referred to as "users". A user is a user of the game live streaming service. It is assumed that a user has an account for the game live streaming service.

The game live streaming system 1 includes a streaming server 100 and a plurality of terminals 200. The streaming server 100 and the terminals 200 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 10. The communication network 10 includes the Internet. The communication network 10 may also include a LAN (Local Area Network).

The distribution server 100 is configured with one or more computers, and is an information processing device of a business providing a game live streaming service. The distribution server 100 may be referred to as a game live streaming server. The distribution server 100 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC (Personal Computer), or may be logically realized by cloud computing (distributed computing). In other words, the distribution server 100 may be configured with one computer, or may be configured with multiple computers.

The multiple terminals 200 include a broadcaster terminal 200a and a viewer terminal 200b. In a game live streaming service, a user becomes a broadcaster by selecting a game and starting to broadcast a live video. On the other hand, a user becomes a viewer by selecting a broadcaster and starting to watch the live video. In other words, one user can be both a broadcaster and a viewer. However, one user cannot be both a broadcaster and a viewer at the same time. The distribution server 100 accepts access from each terminal 200 and broadcasts the game live video (including audio) provided by the broadcaster terminal 200a to the viewer terminal 200b.

The terminal 200 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a wearable terminal. The terminal 200 has an interface with the user and an interface with the communication network 10. The interface with the user includes, for example, at least one of a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch panel display, a microphone, and a speaker. The interface with the communication network 10 includes at least one of a wired communication interface and a wireless communication interface. In the following description of the embodiment, it is mainly assumed that each terminal 200 is a smartphone. It is assumed that an application program for using a game live distribution service is installed in each terminal 200. However, each terminal 200 may be able to use a game live distribution service provided as a web service through a general-purpose web browser. The terminal 200 can play various games provided by the distribution server 100 and distribute or watch the live videos by accessing the distribution server 100 via the installed application program.

In the game live streaming system 1, a live video of the game (specifically, video data and audio data) is sent from the streamer's terminal 200a to the streaming server 100, which then performs various information processing on the live video and sends (distributes) the live video to the viewer's terminal 200b, which then displays the live video received from the streaming server 100.

In such a game live streaming system 1, various communication functions are implemented to enable communication between a broadcaster who broadcasts a game commentary video and a viewer who watches the commentary video. For example, in the game live streaming system 1, a chat area is displayed on the terminal 200 along with a game commentary video, allowing viewers to communicate with the broadcaster through comments (chats). Furthermore, viewers can send gifts to broadcasters on the game live streaming service. By purchasing such gifts and sending them to the broadcaster, viewers can support their favorite broadcasters or use them as an opportunity to communicate with them. In the game live streaming service, a broadcaster broadcasts a commentary video of a game being played to viewers, and the viewers provide comments and gifts to the broadcaster while watching the commentary video.

In the game live streaming system 1, viewers can register (follow) their favorite broadcasters. Generally, viewers are motivated to become fans of the broadcasters they follow and support their favorite broadcasters. Broadcasters are motivated to broadcast live in order to increase their own fan base.

The distribution server 100 according to this embodiment provides a game in which a user is awarded a payout if the user's bet on the outcome of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition. In the following description of the embodiment, such a game is also referred to as a "betting game." In particular, the betting game according to this embodiment does not use property or other assets for betting or payouts and does not have a gambling nature. Such a betting game may be referred to as a "social betting" game.

The competition held in the game space may be any game in which victory or defeat or ranking is decided, but may also be, for example, a competition in which a race or battle is automatically held between virtual athletes (virtual players). The virtual athletes may be characters (characters modeled after humans), vehicles, robots, animals, or monsters. In the following description of the embodiment, we will mainly assume an arena-style competition in which monsters battle each other.

Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of the betting game provided by the distribution server 100 according to this embodiment.

STEP 1:
First, when a broadcaster starts (hosts) a betting game, users (broadcasters, viewers) predict the outcome of the competition held in the game space and vote (bet). The prediction may be for the one remaining monster, or for monsters up to a certain rank (for example, the first and second place monsters and their ranks, or the first to third place monsters and their ranks). In the following description of the embodiment, the case of predicting the one remaining monster is mainly assumed. In this case, the hit condition is that the prediction of the one remaining monster is correct.

The user votes for the predictions using a voting value. In this embodiment, the voting value is points (which may be called "medals") that are used exclusively for betting games. For example, the points have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash. The points may be free points that can be obtained by satisfying a certain condition in the game live streaming service (or betting game) (for example, by logging in to the service). Alternatively, the points may be paid points that can be purchased on the game live streaming service. In any case, the points cannot be exchanged for cash and can only be used in betting games, and do not fall under the category of property or the like, so that gambling aspects can be avoided. Therefore, a wide range of users can enjoy the betting game.

Each monster is assigned a payout rate (odds) according to its characteristics (strength, etc.), and generally, the stronger the monster, the lower the payout rate (odds). The betting details of each user in the betting game may be made public to other users.

STEP 2:
After the voting, the competition takes place in the game space. In this embodiment, an automatic battle between monsters takes place. Users (broadcasters, viewers) can watch the monsters battle, and the broadcaster can comment on the battle. For example, as each monster attacks the other monsters, the other monsters' stamina (hit points) decreases, and when the stamina reaches zero, the monster becomes the loser, and the last monster remaining becomes the winner. Broadcasters can comment on the battle, cheering on the monsters they voted for and/or the monsters voted for by viewers. Viewers can post comments cheering on the monsters they voted for and/or the monsters voted for by the broadcaster.

STEP 3:
Depending on the result of the competition, a payout is awarded to the user (broadcaster, viewer) according to the payout multiplier. Specifically, a user who correctly predicts the result of the competition is awarded a payout according to the payout multiplier of the correct prediction. In this embodiment, the payout is points used exclusively for the betting game. As described above, points do not have monetary value and cannot be converted into cash. The points obtained as the payout in this way can be used for voting (STEP 1) for the competition (monster battle) to be held thereafter.

In this way, in the betting game according to this embodiment, viewers can also participate in voting, which can increase the sense of unity between the broadcaster and viewers in the live game broadcast and create excitement in the live game broadcast. In addition, both voting and payouts are done using points that do not correspond to property, etc., which avoids the nature of gambling and allows a wide range of users to enjoy the betting game.

3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the distribution server 100 according to this embodiment. The distribution server 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit .

The communication unit 110 is a network interface connected to the communication network 10. The communication by the communication unit 110 may be wired communication or may include wireless communication. The communication unit 110 communicates with the terminal 200 via the communication network 10 under the control of the processing unit 130.

The storage unit 120 is configured to include various memories, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an auxiliary storage device. The program (game live streaming program) executed by the processing unit 130 is stored, for example, in the ROM and/or the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 120. The storage unit 120 stores various databases related to the game live streaming service. In this embodiment, the databases stored in the storage unit 120 include a user information database 121, a game information database 122, a gift information database 123, and a prediction result database 124.

The user information database 121 stores a user ID, nickname, owned points information, and owned game currency information for each user of the game live streaming service. The user ID constitutes the user's account information and includes an ID unique to the game live streaming service and/or an ID unique to the betting game. The nickname is the name used to refer to the user in the game live streaming service.

The owned point information is information about points owned by a user, which are a value that can only be used in betting games. Points have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash. The points may be free points that can be obtained by satisfying certain conditions in the game live streaming service (or betting game) (e.g., by logging in to the service). Alternatively, the points may be paid points that can be purchased on the game live streaming service.

The owned game currency information is information on the game currency owned by the user, which is a value that can be used in betting games and other games (particularly other games on the game live streaming service). Hereinafter, such game currency is also referred to as "coins". Coins cannot be exchanged for cash. There are free coins that can be obtained by satisfying certain conditions on the game live streaming service (e.g., logging in to the service), and paid coins that can be purchased with money on the game live streaming service. A typical gift given on the game live streaming service is given by a viewer purchasing a gift by spending coins. Coins may also be usable for purchasing avatars and/or costumes to be used on the game live streaming service.

The game information database 122 stores information about the betting game. For example, the game information database 122 stores the drawing data, characteristics, and payout rate information of each monster, the ID of each game, and information about participating users.

The gift information database 123 stores information about gifts to support broadcasters.

The prediction result database 124 stores, for example, for each event held in a betting game, information on each user who cast a vote, the contents of each user's vote (prediction contents), information on whether each user's prediction was correct, and information on each user's payout.

The processing unit 130 is composed of one or more processors and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area for the processor. In this embodiment, the processing unit 130 functions as a game providing unit 131, a distribution unit 132, a vote receiving unit 133, a fever processing unit 134, a gift processing unit 135, a reward processing unit 136, and a ranking creation unit 137 by expanding a program (a game live distribution program) stored in the memory unit 120 into the RAM and executing it. Each of these units performs information processing using information stored in the memory unit 120.

The game providing unit 131 provides a user with a betting game (social betting game) as described above. A betting game is a game in which a payout is awarded to a user (broadcaster, viewer) when the user (broadcaster, viewer) predicts the outcome of a competition held in a game space and the user's vote satisfies a hit condition. In a betting game, voting processing, competition processing, and payout processing are performed in the procedure of STEP 1 to STEP 3 shown in FIG. 2.

The distribution unit 132 distributes live video of a game played by a distributor to viewers. A user becomes a distributor by selecting a game and starting to distribute the live video. Meanwhile, a user becomes a viewer by selecting any distributor and starting to watch the live video. In this embodiment, the distribution unit 132 distributes live video of a betting game played by a distributor to viewers. Specifically, the distributor transmits live video (video data and audio data) of the betting game from the terminal 200a of the distributor to the distribution server 100, the distribution server 100 performs various information processing on the live video and transmits (distributes) the live video to the terminal 200b of the viewer, and the terminal 200b of the viewer displays the live video received from the distribution server 100.

The viewing screen displayed on the viewer's device 200b not only displays the live video, but also displays buttons for accepting comments and requests to give gifts to the broadcaster.

The vote acceptance unit 133 accepts votes from the broadcaster and/or viewers in the betting game. For example, the vote acceptance unit 133 accepts from the broadcaster on the broadcast screen the selection of the monster predicted by the broadcaster, and also accepts from the broadcaster on the broadcast screen the selection of the amount of value to be bet on the monster. The vote acceptance unit 133 also accepts votes from viewers. Specifically, the vote acceptance unit 133 accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen the selection of the winning monster predicted by the viewer, and also accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen the selection of the amount of value to be cast in the vote for the monster.

Here, the vote acceptance unit 133 accepts votes from the distributor and/or the viewer using points that are used exclusively for the betting game. Points can be purchased by the distributor and the viewer using coins (game currency). There are free coins (free game currency) and paid coins (paid game currency).

In this way, the vote acceptance unit 133 accepts votes from the distributor and also from the viewers. The vote acceptance unit 133 also accepts votes from both the distributor and the viewers using points, which are a value used exclusively in the game and cannot be converted into cash. The game providing unit 131 awards points according to the points used for voting and the payout multiplier as a payout.

When the result of counting the hit status of each of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold, the fever processing unit 134 activates a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the distributor and the viewer in the betting game. Activating such a fever time can further increase the excitement of the betting game. The length of the fever time may be a predetermined fixed length of time, or a variable length of time according to a stepwise threshold. Alternatively, the length of the fever time may be a variable length of time corresponding to a specified number of battles (competitions). During the fever time, information indicating the remaining fever time may be displayed on the distributor's distribution screen and each viewer's viewing screen.

The game providing unit 131 may increase the payout rate during fever time compared to non-fever time. For example, during fever time, the payout rate is increased by multiplying the payout rate during non-fever time (i.e., the normal payout rate) by N. As a specific example, if the normal payout rates are 2x for monster A and 3x for monster B, then during fever time these are doubled, making the payout rates 4x for monster A and 6x for monster B.

The fever processing unit 134 may activate fever time when the cumulative value of points awarded as dividends to the broadcaster and the viewer respectively exceeds a threshold. As a specific example, when a broadcaster is live broadcasting a betting game, if the cumulative points the broadcaster has earned as dividends during the broadcast are X points, the cumulative points each viewer has earned as dividends during the broadcast are Y points, and the threshold is Z points, the fever processing unit 134 activates fever time when the condition "X+Y>Z" is satisfied. Such values of X, Y, and/or Z may be displayed on the broadcast screen of the broadcaster and on the viewing screen of each viewer. A gauge showing the value of "X+Y" may be displayed together with the threshold, and fever time may be activated when the gauge reaches the threshold.

The gift processing unit 135 accepts a viewer's request to give a dedicated gift (support gift) to a broadcaster, which is used exclusively for a game. For example, a viewer can select a gift using a gift button displayed on the viewing screen of a betting game played by the broadcaster, and give the selected gift. The reward processing unit 136 performs a process of giving a monetary or exchangeable reward to the broadcaster in response to the gift of the dedicated gift. For example, in the game live streaming system 1, a reward may be given to the broadcaster according to the amount of gifts the broadcaster has obtained. Such a reward for a broadcaster is available to broadcasters who meet certain conditions, and an amount obtained by multiplying the broadcast hourly wage, which is determined according to the amount of gifts and the total viewing time, by the broadcast time may be given as a broadcast reward. Such a reward can increase the broadcaster's motivation for broadcasting. Gifts can be purchased by viewers using coins (game currency). A paid gift, which is a gift purchased with paid coins (paid game currency), may be set to be a larger reward for the broadcaster than a free gift purchased with free coins (free game currency).

The dedicated gift may be a gift that grants points to be used for voting to both the broadcaster and the viewer. The gift processing unit 135 grants points to be used exclusively for the betting game to both the broadcaster and the viewer in response to the desire to give the gift. For example, the gift is given by the viewer consuming his/her own coins (free coins or paid coins), and one coin may be equivalent to one point, or one coin may be exchanged for a value of one point or more. By granting points to the broadcaster by the gift, the broadcaster can use the points for his/her own voting. In addition, by granting points to the viewer by the gift, the viewer can use the points for his/her own voting. Here, the amount of points granted to the viewer may be the same as the amount of points granted to the broadcaster. Note that the viewer may feel embarrassed about giving a gift to the broadcaster, but by granting points to the viewer as well, it is possible to alleviate such embarrassment and promote the giving of gifts. When the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may award more points to both the broadcaster and the viewer than when the gift is a free gift. For example, a free gift worth one coin may award one point to both the broadcaster and the viewer, and a paid gift worth one coin may award two points to both the broadcaster and the viewer. This allows viewers to choose between gifts (free gifts and paid gifts) depending on the extent to which they want to support the broadcaster.

The dedicated gift may be a gift that increases the payout rate in a betting game. Specifically, the payout rate for a battle (competition) when the gift is given is higher than when the gift is not given. For example, when the gift is given, the payout rate is increased by multiplying the payout rate by N (N≧2) when the gift is not given. When the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may increase the payout rate by a large amount compared to when the gift is a free gift. For example, the payout rate may be set to double for a free gift worth one coin, and triple for a paid gift worth one coin. This allows viewers to use different gifts (free gifts, paid gifts) depending on the degree to which they want to support the streamer.

The dedicated gift may be a gift that makes it easier to activate fever time, which gives advantageous effects to the broadcaster and viewers in the betting game. For example, the rate of increase of the above-mentioned "X+Y" value may be N times higher, or the threshold value may be changed to be lower than normal, so that the gauge indicating the above-mentioned "X+Y" value is more likely to fill up. Alternatively, the gift may be one that forcibly activates fever time. When the gift is a paid gift, the gift processing unit 135 may increase the effect of making it easier to activate fever time compared to when the gift is a free gift. For example, when the gift is a paid gift, the rate of increase of the above-mentioned "X+Y" value may be greater than when the gift is a free gift. Alternatively, when the gift is a paid gift, the amount of decrease in the threshold value may be greater than when the gift is a free gift.

The ranking creation unit 137 tally up the payout status for each of the multiple viewers during the tallying period, and creates rankings for the multiple viewers based on the tallying results. For example, the ranking creation unit 137 creates rankings for each viewer so that viewers who have won more payouts during the tallying period are given higher ranks, and makes the created rankings public. This can increase viewers' motivation to vote, and contribute to creating excitement in the betting game.

The ranking creation unit 137 may calculate the balance (the difference between the amount of value cast in votes and the amount of value acquired in dividends) for each of the multiple viewers, and create a ranking for each viewer so that viewers with a higher balance within the collection period are ranked higher.

The ranking creation unit 137 may create a ranking of the broadcasters. For example, the ranking creation unit 137 may create a ranking of each broadcaster so that viewers who have earned more rewards in betting games are ranked higher.

4 to 7 are diagrams showing examples of the display screen of the viewer's terminal 200b according to this embodiment. Note that on the display screen of the viewer's terminal 200b, the comment posts of each viewer are displayed in chronological order, superimposed on the game screen, but the display of the comment posts is omitted.

Figure 4 shows an example of a monster selection screen among the voting screens according to this embodiment. On the monster selection screen, the name, payout ratio, and characteristics (attributes, stamina, attack power, defense power, etc.) of each monster that will be battling are displayed. Viewers predict the winning monster and select it by tapping on the predicted monster.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for points to be cast in a vote from among the voting screens according to this embodiment. This screen displays information about the value (points, free coins, and paid coins) possessed by the viewer, as well as a button (button A) for selecting how many points to cast in a vote and a button (button B) for purchasing points using coins. When the viewer taps button A, they can select or input the number of points.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a battle screen as an example of a competition screen according to this embodiment. After voting has ended, an automatic battle between monsters is displayed on the battle screen. Users (broadcasters, viewers) can watch the monsters battle, and broadcasters can comment on the battle. For example, as each monster attacks other monsters, the other monsters' stamina (hit points) decreases, and when their stamina reaches zero they become the loser, and the last monster remaining is the winner.

Figure 7 shows an example of a result screen that displays the competition results and predicted results according to this embodiment. The result screen displays, for each of the broadcaster and the broadcaster's viewers, information showing the balance of the current battle or the total balance of multiple battles, as well as information showing whether the predictions for each battle were correct or not (in the illustrated example, hits are indicated by white circles and misses are indicated by black circles).

(4) Modifications A modification of the above embodiment will be described. In this modification, the reward processing unit 136 performs processing to award a dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the distributor in response to the viewer's vote satisfying the winning condition. Here, the reward processing unit 136 may award the distributor a reward in the form of money or a reward that can be converted into cash.

In this modified example, a viewer's vote is not simply a way to enjoy a betting game, but is also positioned as an act of supporting the broadcaster, and can be considered a form of gift to the broadcaster. This can further enhance the sense of unity between the broadcaster and viewers in a live game broadcast. It can also increase the motivation of viewers to vote in order to receive the reward that will be awarded to the broadcaster. Also, unlike normal gifts, the reward that is awarded to the broadcaster when a viewer's vote meets the winning conditions can be increased according to the payout multiplier of that vote.

In this modified example, the vote acceptance unit 133 may accept votes from viewers as an act of support (gift) from the viewers to the distributor.

The reward given to the distributor may be calculated based on the viewers' distribution activities, etc. For example, the reward processing unit 136 may determine the reward to be given to the distributor based on the distribution activities or viewing activities, such as the distribution time, the number of viewers, the viewing time, the amount of gift coins, the amount of gift points, etc.

The reward processing unit 136 gives the distributor money or a substitute therefor, i.e., a reward having monetary value, as a reward for the distributor (reward in response to the viewer's vote satisfying the winning condition). For example, the reward may be money transferred to a bank account linked to the distributor's account, electronic money that can be used in a settlement application (an app that can make payments using barcodes, stacked two-dimensional codes, matrix two-dimensional codes, etc.), or virtual currency using blockchain technology.

In this modified example, the vote acceptance unit 133 may be capable of accepting votes from viewers using coins, not just points. The reward processing unit 136 may use different methods to determine the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster depending on whether the viewer voted using points or coins. For example, under the condition that the voting content (payout ratio and value) is the same, when the viewer voted using coins, the reward processing unit 136 may increase the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster compared to when the viewer voted using points.

The reward processing unit 136 may use different methods to determine the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster depending on whether the viewer's vote was made using free coins or paid coins. For example, under the condition that the voting content (payout ratio and value) is the same, the reward processing unit 136 may increase the amount of reward to be awarded to the broadcaster when the viewer's vote was made using paid coins compared to when the viewer's vote was made using free coins.

Table 1 shows an example of the payout to the viewer and the reward to the distributor when the viewer's vote meets the winning conditions. This example shows the payout to the viewer and the reward to the distributor when the same amount of points, free coins, and paid coins are cast and the payout multiplier is the same.

As shown in Table 1, regardless of the value (points, free coins, and paid coins) that the viewer casts in their vote, the payout to the viewer is the same, but the reward to the broadcaster is different. Note that the broadcaster may be given a reward within a range up to n% of the total amount of paid coins cast in the vote by all viewers of that broadcaster.

In this way, by varying the method (decision logic) for determining the reward to the streamer depending on the type of value (points, free coins, and paid coins) cast by the viewer in their vote, for example, the viewer can decide which type of value to cast depending on how passionately they want to support the streamer, thereby increasing the viewer's freedom of choice.

Figure 8 shows the operation of the distribution server 100 in this modified example. Here, we will explain the case where only viewers cast votes in the betting game.

In step S1, the distribution server 100 provides a user with a betting game (social betting game) as described above. A broadcaster who has logged in to the game live distribution service may start playing the betting game by selecting the betting game and starting distribution. A viewer who has logged in to the game live distribution service may participate in the betting game by selecting the broadcaster from a list of broadcasters and starting viewing.

In step S2, the distribution server 100 distributes a live video of the betting game played by the distributor to the viewer. As described above, the viewing screen displayed on the viewer's terminal 200b displays not only the live video, but also buttons for accepting comments and requests to give gifts to the distributor.

In step S3, if the viewer selects a gift, the distribution server 100 accepts the viewer's vote. That is, the distribution server 100 accepts the viewer's vote as a supportive act (gift) from the viewer to the broadcaster. Specifically, the distribution server 100 accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen the selection of the monster that the viewer predicted, and also accepts from the viewer on the viewing screen the selection of the amount of value to bet on the monster.

In step S4, the distribution server 100 determines whether the viewer's vote satisfies the winning condition. For example, the distribution server 100 determines whether the viewer's prediction of the winning monster was correct.

If it is determined that the viewer's vote meets the winning conditions (step S4: YES), in step S5, the distribution server 100 awards the viewer a payout according to the payout multiplier and also awards a reward to the distributor.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the viewer's vote did not satisfy the winning condition (step S4: NO), in step S6, the distribution server 100 does not award a dividend to the viewer and does not award a reward to the distributor.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, an example was described in which each viewer who watches a stream from a distributor votes for a monster independently, but for a group of viewers who watch a stream from a distributor, the viewers may only be able to vote for a monster determined by the distributor or a monster determined by a vote of the entire group of viewers. Alternatively, a viewer with a high win rate may be selected from the group of viewers, and only the monster selected by that viewer may be allowed to vote.

In the above-described embodiment, it was assumed that the user could select the amount of value to contribute to a vote in increments of 1 point or 1 coin. However, the user may also have the option to contribute all of their points to a vote together.

In the above embodiment, a function may be introduced in which points are accumulated for competitions (battles) in which neither user (broadcaster, viewer) predicts correctly, and a user who predicts correctly in a subsequent competition can take all of the accumulated points.

The operation flows and operation examples in the above-mentioned embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order according to the order described in the flow diagram or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the operations may be executed in an order different from that described in the flow diagram or sequence diagram, or may be executed in parallel. Some of the steps in the operations may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the process. The operation flows and operation examples in the above-mentioned embodiments may be executed separately and independently, or two or more operation flows and operation examples may be executed in combination. For example, some steps of one operation flow may be added to another operation flow, or some steps of one operation flow may be replaced with some steps of another operation flow.

A program may be provided that causes a computer to execute the operations according to the above-described embodiment. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, it is possible to install the program on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "in response to" do not mean "based only on" or "in response to" unless otherwise specified. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on". Similarly, the term "in response to" means both "based only on" and "in response to" . In addition, the terms "include", "comprise", and variations thereof do not mean including only the items listed, but may include only the items listed, or may include additional items in addition to the items listed. In addition, the term "or" as used in this disclosure is not intended to be an exclusive or. In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The above describes the embodiment in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(6) Supplementary Notes The following are additional notes regarding the features of the above-described embodiment.

・Note 1
A game live streaming system for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a broadcaster and a viewer,
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a prediction of a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers.

・Appendix 2
the vote acceptance unit accepts the votes from the distributor and the viewer using points, which are a value exclusively used for the game and cannot be converted into cash;
The game providing unit awards, as the payout, points according to the points used for the vote and the payout rate.

Appendix 3
The game live streaming system described in Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a fever processing unit that activates a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the broadcaster and the viewer in the game when the result of counting the hit situations of each of the broadcaster and the viewer exceeds a threshold.

Appendix 4
The game live distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the game providing unit increases the payout rate during the fever time compared to during a non-fever time.

Appendix 5
The game live streaming system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fever processing unit activates the fever time when a cumulative value of points awarded as the dividend to each of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold value.

Appendix 6
a gift processing unit that receives from the viewer a request to give a support gift to the broadcaster, the support gift being a dedicated gift to be used exclusively for the game;
The game live streaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a reward processing unit that performs processing to grant the broadcaster a reward in the form of money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash in response to the presentation of the dedicated gift.

Appendix 7
The game live streaming system according to claim 6, wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that gives points to be used for the voting to both the broadcaster and the viewer.

Appendix 8
The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live streaming system described in Appendix 7, wherein the gift processing unit awards more points to both the broadcaster and the viewer when the dedicated gift is the paid gift than when the dedicated gift is the free gift.

Appendix 9
The game live distribution system according to claim 6, wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that increases the payout rate.

Appendix 10
The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live streaming system according to claim 9, wherein the gift processing unit increases the payout rate significantly when the dedicated gift is the paid gift compared to when the dedicated gift is the free gift.

Appendix 11
The game live streaming system described in Appendix 6, wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that makes it easier to activate a fever time that brings advantageous effects to the streamer and the viewers in the game.

Appendix 12
The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live streaming system described in Appendix 11, wherein the gift processing unit increases the effect of making it easier to activate the fever time when the dedicated gift is the paid gift compared to when the dedicated gift is the free gift.

Appendix 13
The game live streaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a ranking creation unit that compiles a payout status for each of a plurality of viewers during a collection period and creates a ranking of the plurality of viewers based on the compilation result.

Appendix 14
The game live streaming system described in Appendix 1, further comprising a reward processing unit that performs processing to award the dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the broadcaster in response to the vote by the viewer satisfying the winning condition.

Appendix 15
The game live streaming system according to claim 14, wherein the reward processing unit grants the broadcaster a reward in the form of money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash.

Appendix 16
A program for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a streamer and a viewer, comprising:
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers.

1: Game live distribution system 10: Communication network 100: Distribution server 110: Communication unit 120: Memory unit 121: User information database 122: Game information database 123: Gift information database 124: Prediction result database 130: Processing unit 131: Game providing unit 132: Distribution unit 133: Voting reception unit 134: Fever processing unit 135: Gift processing unit 136: Reward processing unit 137: Ranking creation unit 200: Terminal

Claims (16)

A game live streaming system for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a broadcaster and a viewer, comprising:
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers;
a fever processing unit that activates a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the distributor and the viewer in the game when a result of counting the hit situations of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold;
Equipped with
Game live streaming system. A game live streaming system for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a broadcaster and a viewer,
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a prediction of a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers;
a gift processing unit that receives from the viewer a request to give a support gift to the broadcaster, the support gift being a dedicated gift to be used exclusively for the game;
a reward processing unit that performs processing to grant a reward of money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash to the distributor in response to the gift of the dedicated gift;
A live game distribution system. the vote acceptance unit accepts the votes from each of the distributor and the viewer using points, the points having value exclusively used for the game and not convertible into cash;
The game live distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the game providing unit awards, as the payout, points according to the points used for the vote and the payout rate. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the game providing unit increases the payout rate during the fever time compared to during a non-fever time. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the fever processing unit activates the fever time when an accumulated value of points given as the dividend to each of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold value. The game live streaming system according to claim 2 , wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that gives points to be used for the voting to both the streamer and the viewer. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live streaming system according to claim 6 , wherein the gift processing unit awards more points to both the broadcaster and the viewer when the dedicated gift is the paid gift than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live distribution system according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that increases the payout rate. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live distribution system according to claim 8 , wherein the gift processing unit increases the payout rate when the dedicated gift is the paid gift more than when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live streaming system according to claim 2 or 6, wherein the dedicated gift is a gift that facilitates the activation of a fever time that brings advantageous effects to the streamer and the viewers in the game. The dedicated gifts include free gifts purchased with free game currency and paid gifts purchased with paid game currency,
The game live streaming system according to claim 10 , wherein the gift processing unit increases the effect of making the fever time easier to activate when the dedicated gift is the paid gift compared to when the dedicated gift is the free gift. The game live distribution system according to claim 1 , further comprising a ranking creation unit that compiles a payout situation for each of the plurality of viewers during a collection period, and creates a ranking of the plurality of viewers according to a compilation result. The game live streaming system according to claim 1 , further comprising a reward processing unit that performs processing to award the dividend to the viewer and also award a reward to the broadcaster in response to the vote by the viewer satisfying the winning condition. The reward processing unit awards the dividend to the viewer and also awards a reward to the distributor in response to the vote by the viewer satisfying the winning condition.
The game live distribution system according to claim 2. A program for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a streamer and a viewer, comprising:
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers;
a fever processing unit that activates a fever time that gives advantageous effects to the distributor and the viewer in the game when a result of counting the hit situations of the distributor and the viewer exceeds a threshold;
To function as a program. A program for live streaming a game among a plurality of users including a streamer and a viewer, comprising:
a game providing unit that provides a game in which a payout according to a payout rate is awarded to a user when a user's vote for a result of a competition held in a game space satisfies a hit condition;
A distribution unit that distributes a live video of the game played by the distributor to the viewers;
a vote acceptance unit that accepts the votes from the distributor and also accepts the votes from the viewers;
a gift processing unit that receives from the viewer a request to give a support gift to the broadcaster, the support gift being a dedicated gift to be used exclusively for the game;
a reward processing unit that performs processing to grant a reward of money or a reward that can be exchanged for cash to the distributor in response to the gift of the dedicated gift;
To function as a program.

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