JP7755872B2 - System, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for streaming live video of gameplay.

Recently, some live gameplay video streams allow viewers to enjoy live streaming while communicating with the players playing the streamed game. Viewers can feel like they are supporting the streamer by giving them advice on how to beat the game via text or audio, which is one of the attractions of live gameplay streaming for viewers.

There is also technology that allows viewers' actions to directly affect the game being streamed. Such technology can give viewers a stronger sense of support for the streamer. For example, some technologies allow viewers to send items that can be used in the game to the streamer playing the game by performing specific actions while watching. This system directly affects the streamer's gameplay, giving a strong sense of support and contributing to the excitement of live gameplay broadcasts. For example, JP 2020-167606 A describes a viewing program that allows users watching live game video broadcasts to send items that affect the streamer's game, and allows the items that can be sent to be switched depending on the part.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-167606

The technology described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of providing viewers with information that can be used as a basis for making decisions about which live-streamed videos to watch. One aspect of the present invention aims to provide viewers with information that can be used as new criteria for making decisions about which live-streamed videos to watch.

To solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a system that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process when a condition is met, including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification unit that identifies at least one of the game media that make up the predetermined combination based on an operation by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and is viewing the video; a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal; and a video identification screen display control unit that causes the viewing terminal to display a video identification screen that includes combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes: a game control step for controlling the progress of a game, which includes the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step for identifying at least one of the game media that make up the predetermined combination based on an operation by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and who is viewing the video; and a video identification screen display control step for displaying on the viewing terminal a video identification screen that includes a video identification operator that receives an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal and combination event information related to the combination event in the game that corresponds to the video.

To solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention provides a program that causes one or more computers to execute the following steps: a game control step that controls the progress of a game, which includes the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, when a condition is met, including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step that identifies at least one of the game media that make up the predetermined combination based on the operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal and is viewing the video; and a video identification screen display control step that causes the viewing terminal to display a video identification screen that includes a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal and combination event information related to the combination event in the game that corresponds to the video.

One aspect of the present invention is to provide viewers with information that will help them decide which live streaming videos to watch.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of game user information shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event definition table shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a distribution server according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution service user information shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of viewing history information shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of game service information shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution video management table shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an occurring event management table shown in FIG. 5 . 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a game terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a viewing terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the flow of a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the sending process shown in FIG. 13. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the sending process shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the sending process shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the sending process shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the sending process shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the viewing terminal in the sending process shown in FIG. 14. FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the selection process shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a moving image specifying screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20 . FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition setting screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20 . FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition setting screen in the selection process shown in FIG. 20 .

[Embodiment 1]
The following describes in detail the system 1 according to this embodiment. The system 1 is a system that live-streams videos showing games. Here, live streaming refers to video streaming in which the video can be viewed while the video is being streamed, and may be, for example, video streaming in real time.

<Configuration of System 1>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, system 1 includes a game server 10, a distribution server 30, a game terminal 50, and a viewing terminal 70. These devices are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, the Internet, but is not limited to this. Note that the number of game servers 10, game terminals 50, and viewing terminals 70 may each be one or more.

The game server 10 is a device that progresses a game by executing a game program. Note that a portion of the game program may be executed by a device other than the game server 10 (e.g., a game terminal 50, etc.). The game server 10 progresses a game using game media based on operations by game players. The system 1 may include multiple game servers 10 that progress different types of games. The distribution server 30 is a device that provides a distribution service that live-streams videos showing games. The game terminal 50 is a terminal that can play games progressed by the game server 10 and accepts operations to play the game from game players. The game terminal 50 can also live-stream videos showing games being played via the distribution server 30. The viewing terminal 70 is a terminal that can view live-streamed videos. A user of the viewing terminal 70 (hereinafter also referred to as the user of the viewing terminal 70) may be a viewing user who watches the live-streamed video, or may be a user who does not watch the video. The viewing terminal 70 accepts operations from the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video live-streamed by a game player. The viewing terminal 70 also accepts operations from viewing users to support the game player who is the distributor. Hereinafter, when no particular distinction is made between the game player, the user of the viewing terminal 70, and the viewing user, they may simply be referred to as "users."

It should be noted that the same user may act as a game player when using game terminal 50, and as a viewing user when using viewing terminal 70. However, a game player and a viewing user who watches a video being live-streamed by the game player are different users. Furthermore, game terminal 50 and viewing terminal 70 may be configured as the same physical device, or may be configured as different devices.

(Hardware configuration of game server 10)
1, the game server 10 includes, for example, a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication interface 13. These components are connected via a bus 19.

The processor 11 controls each part of the game server 10 by executing programs stored in the memory 12. The processor 11 is composed of integrated circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

Memory 12 stores programs executed by processor 11 and various data used by processor 11. Memory 12 may be configured, for example, with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM (registered trademark)), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a combination of these. Note that part or all of memory 12 need not be built into game server 10, but may be externally attached via an input/output interface (not shown) such as a universal serial bus (USB). Also, part or all of memory 12 may be connected to game server 10 via a network as a device independent of game server 10.

The communication interface 13 is an interface that connects to the network NW. The communication interface 13 is configured, for example, as a wired connection interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless connection interface such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

(Hardware configuration of distribution server 30)
1 , the distribution server 30 includes, for example, a processor 31, a memory 32, and a communication interface 33. These components are connected via a bus 39. The processor 31, the memory 32, and the communication interface 33 will be described in the same manner as the components of the same names provided in the game server 10, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(Hardware configuration of game terminal 50)
1, the game terminal 50 includes, for example, a processor 51, a memory 52, a communication interface 53, an input device 54, and an output device 55. These components are connected via a bus 59.

The processor 51, memory 52, and communication interface 53 will be described in the same manner as the components of the same name provided in the distribution server 30, and therefore will not be described in detail again. The input device 54 is a device that accepts operations from the game player and is composed of, for example, a controller, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, or a combination of these. The output device 55 includes a display device and is composed of, for example, a display. The output device 55 may also include an audio output device such as a speaker. One or both of the input device 54 and the output device 55 do not have to be built into the game terminal 50, but may also be connected externally as peripheral devices. Hereinafter, inputting information (or accepting operations) via the input device 54 of the game terminal 50 will also be referred to simply as "inputting information" (or "accepting operations"), etc. Displaying information on a display device included in the output device 55 of the game terminal 50 will also be referred to simply as "displaying", etc.

(Hardware configuration of the viewing terminal 70)
As shown in FIG. 1 , the viewing terminal 70 includes, for example, a processor 71, a memory 72, a communication interface 73, an input device 74, and an output device 75. These components are connected via a bus 79. These components will be described in the same manner as the components of the same name provided in the game terminal 50, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, inputting information (or accepting an operation) via the input device 74 of the viewing terminal 70 will also be simply referred to as "inputting information" (or "accepting an operation"), etc. Furthermore, displaying information on a display device included in the output device 75 of the viewing terminal 70 will also be simply referred to as "displaying," etc.

(Functional configuration of game server 10)
Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game server 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the game server 10 includes a control unit 110 and a storage unit 130. The control unit 110 is realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the memory 12. The storage unit 130 is configured by the memory 12.

The control unit 110 includes a game control unit 111 and a combination image display control unit 112. The storage unit 130 stores game user information and an event definition table. The game control unit 111 controls the progress of the game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, when a condition is met, including the satisfaction of a condition that at least some of the game media used in the game are identified to form a predetermined combination. The game media identified to form a predetermined combination may be removed from the game player or viewing user who identified the game media (i.e., the game media may be consumed), or may remain owned by the game player or viewing user. If the identified game media remain owned by the game player or viewing user, the game media may be made unavailable to the game player or viewing user during the execution of the combination event. This embodiment describes a mode in which the identified game media are consumed. This embodiment also describes a mode in which the condition includes the requirement that at least some of the game media constituting the predetermined combination are game media identified based on the viewing user's operation, as described below. In other words, the condition includes that at least some of the game media making up the predetermined combination are game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30. The game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit 312 are game media identified based on operations by the viewing user while watching a video showing the game in which the combination event is occurring. Details of the viewing user game media identification unit 312 will be described later. Note that the present invention is not limited to this form, and the condition may include that "each game medium making up the predetermined combination must be identified by either the game player or the viewing user" (for example, the condition may be that "at least some of the game media making up the predetermined combination can be identified by the viewing user, but all of them may also be identified by the game user").

Here, "game media" refers to in-game media used in a game. For example, game media may be game objects such as characters appearing in the game or character cards corresponding to characters, various items used in the game (for example, items that exert a predetermined effect when equipped to a character), or in-game value (for example, in-game currency, points that can be exchanged for items). Also, for example, game media is a unit that can be owned by a user. An ownable unit is, for example, the smallest unit when consuming or identifying a candidate game medium as described below.

Furthermore, various occurrences that occur in a game are referred to as "events," and a "combination event" refers to an event in which a predetermined process is executed in response to the fulfillment of conditions, including the identification of multiple types of game media in a predetermined combination. The game media that can be combined may be any of the game media mentioned above.

Furthermore, "predetermined processing executed in response to a condition being satisfied" refers to processing executed in response to a condition being satisfied, including the game content being specified to form a predetermined combination. Details of the "condition" will be described later. The content of the "predetermined processing" may be associated with the predetermined combination, or may be associated with the progress of the game, the viewing status of the video, etc. If the predetermined processing is processing associated with a predetermined combination, game players and viewing users can enjoy processing according to the predetermined combination during a combination event.

Specific examples of predetermined processing include (i) processing that provides an advantageous effect to the progress of the game, and (ii) processing that is unrelated to the advantage or disadvantage of the progress of the game. (i) Processing that provides an effective effect to the processing of the game includes, for example, processing that grants predetermined game media to a game player who is progressing through the game, and processing that provides an advantageous effect to a game player by improving or modifying their status. Examples of predetermined game media granted to a game player include game media that have a greater effect than any of the game media constituting a predetermined combination when used alone (for example, greater damage to enemies, greater damage recovery amount for the character controlled by the player and his/her ally characters, or greater status increase). Furthermore, game media that cannot be used alone but can be used in combination may be game media that cannot be used alone, such as a bow, arrow, and string that are granted to a player by identifying the bow and arrow. If the predetermined processing is processing that grants predetermined game media to a game player, the viewing user can be made to contribute to the game player's acquisition of the predetermined game media.

In addition, processing that provides advantageous effects to game players by improving or modifying status may, for example, be processing that directly recovers damage or increases the status of the character controlled by the player or their ally characters without the need for any game content. Other effects may include preventing damage from enemies for a certain period of time, stopping or slowing the progression of time in a time-limited game, or granting a specific item in a scene where progression is impossible without that item (for example, granting a key in a scene where there is a door that requires a key).

(ii) Examples of processing unrelated to the advantages and disadvantages of the game include changes to the presentation within the game space. More specifically, examples include changes to the appearance of the character controlled by the game player, the sounds they make, changes to the objects that make up the game stage, and changes to the design of the game space.

Another specific example of a predetermined process is a process in which game media is identified by lottery and then awarded to the game player who is playing the game. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation among viewing users, as even if the conditions are met, it is not known which game media will be awarded to the player who is playing the game.

Furthermore, in a combination event, the conditions that must be met to execute a predetermined process include, as described above, specifying at least some of the multiple types of game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination. Furthermore, these conditions include at least some of the game media that make up the predetermined combination being game media identified by the viewer user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30.

For example, the condition may include that the game media constituting the predetermined combination include a predetermined number or more of the game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit 312. Here, the "predetermined number" may be a single number, or may be a range such as "two or more." This allows the viewing user to easily recognize the number of game media that the viewing user needs to identify in order to satisfy the condition.

The conditions may also include an upper limit on the number of game media identified by a single viewing user by the viewing user game media identification unit 312. Here, the "upper limit on the number" may refer to the upper limit on the number of game media of the same type, or the upper limit on the number of types (for example, a single viewing user may be limited to one type, with no upper limit on the number of that type). The unit for counting the "number of game media of the same type" or the "number of types" for a single viewing user may be the unit of video distribution. The count may also be a predetermined period (for example, one day). The count may also be reset at a predetermined time (for example, 1 a.m.) or a predetermined period (for example, one hour) after the previous "upper limit on the number" was reached. This will require the support of more viewing users, preventing viewing users from feeling that participating in the event is monotonous.

The conditions may also include that the game contents making up the predetermined combination are identified in a predetermined order. This ensures that viewing users always have to be aware of what they will need, preventing viewing users from feeling that participating in the event is monotonous.

The game control unit 111 may also start a combination event when a predetermined start condition is met while the game is in progress. Here, a "start condition" refers to a condition for starting a combination event. This allows viewing users to participate in the live-streamed game when a predetermined start condition is met while the game is in progress. Note that the start of a combination event when the start condition is met is also referred to as the occurrence of a combination event.

The start condition may include, for example, the progress status indicating the progress of the game reaching a predetermined progress status. This allows the support for the broadcaster to vary depending on the progress of the game, thereby motivating viewing users to continue watching the live game broadcast. Furthermore, viewing users can support the game player while taking into consideration the combination events that can occur depending on the game content they own.

Here, "progress" refers to a situation that can change as the game progresses. Examples of progress include progressing until a specific scene is reached in the game, or time passing in the game. Examples of reaching a specific scene include starting a specific stage, a character controlled by a game player reaching a predetermined location in the game space (such as a specific checkpoint), or the game progressing until a specific event occurs. A specific example of a specific event occurring is encountering a specific character (such as the appearance of a boss or the start of a battle).

The game control unit 111 may execute a combination event for each scene to grant game content that will be advantageous in progressing through that scene. For example, the game control unit 111 may execute a combination event that allows the player to synthesize an effective weapon to match an enemy character that has appeared.

In-game time refers to the concept of time set within the game space. For example, a game can set times that differ from real time (day, night, time that progresses at a speed unique to the game, time that progresses based on in-game conditions, etc.), and the progress status can be the passage of time within the game. An example of the passage of "time that progresses based on in-game conditions" is the passage of time according to the distance traveled by the playable character within the game field. Another example of the passage of "time that progresses based on in-game conditions" is the passage of time when instructions to the development character are finished being input.

The start condition may also include, for example, that the play result of an operation received from the game player to progress the game results in a predetermined play result. This allows the game player's skill and knowledge to influence the execution of the combination event. Here, "play result" refers to the result of an operation received from the game player to progress the game. Examples of play results include the result of an event, or the result of attempting a challenge (e.g., a quest, mission, etc.) given in the game. Examples of event results include the result of a battle with an enemy character. Examples of the result of attempting a challenge given in the game include the result of acquiring game content specified in the challenge. Examples of play results include the acquisition of predetermined game content regardless of the challenge described above. Note that depending on the play result, the game control unit 111 may not execute the combination event. For example, if the battle against the enemy character results in a loss, the game control unit 111 may not execute the combination event.

The start condition may also include, for example, that the setting information indicating at least part of the content of the user information related to the game player and/or the content of the information associated by the game player with the game content used to progress through the game, is of a predetermined content. This allows the game player to adjust whether or not a combination event will be executed based on their own user information. Here, "user information" refers to information about users such as game players and viewing users. Examples of user information include user identification information and information indicating attributes. Examples of such attributes include the game player's gender, nationality, residential area, birthplace, birthday, age, etc.

Furthermore, "setting information" refers to information that indicates at least one of the content of user information about the game player and the content of information that the game player associates with the game medium. Examples of setting information that indicates the content of the user information of a game player include the game player's gender, nationality, residential area, birthplace, birthday, age, etc. For example, if the game is played on a birthday, or if the gender is female and the game is played on a specific day (e.g., March 3rd), a combination event may be executed at a specific timing (e.g., when the game is started on a specific day, or the combination event may be set to execute at random times, with the probability of execution increasing throughout the specific day).

Information associated by a game player with a game medium may include, for example, settings for game characters. Examples of such game characters include game characters controlled by the game player and game characters that assist in the progression of the game. Settings for game characters may include the game character's equipment (e.g., weapons, armor, techniques, etc.), costumes, etc. For example, a combination event may be initiated when a game player equips the game character they control with a sword.

The start condition may also include, for example, the video viewing status reaching a specified viewing status. This can give the viewing user a stronger sense of participating in the game. Here, the "video viewing status" refers to a status that can change as the video is played. Examples of viewing status include the number of viewing users and their increase or decrease (e.g., increase or decrease within a specified period of time, and the degree of increase or decrease), viewing time, the attributes of the viewing users, and the actions of the viewing users.

Attributes of viewing users are, for example, similar to the content of the user information about game players described above. In other words, information indicating viewing status (viewing status information) may include at least a portion of the user information about the viewing user. Actions of viewing users include, for example, the presence or absence, number, and increase/decrease of comments sent by the viewing user (e.g., increase/decrease within a specified period and the degree of increase/decrease), the viewing user's use of a specified game medium, etc.

Start conditions based on viewing status include, for example, the number of viewing users reaching a predetermined number or more, the number of comments sent by viewing users reaching a predetermined number or more, viewing time (e.g., total time of all viewing users, average time per person, etc.), or the number of viewing users with content containing predetermined user identification information reaching a predetermined number or more.

More specific examples include a predetermined number of viewing users of the same age group, a predetermined number of males and females, a predetermined number of viewing users from the same residential area, and a predetermined number of different countries of viewing users. A system according to one aspect of the present invention may also provide a communication function between viewing users. In this case, viewing users from the same country and viewing users from different countries can communicate with each other.

The start condition may also include, for example, a time or duration reaching a predetermined time or duration. This makes it easier for the number of viewing users to increase at the time or duration when the combination event is being executed. Here, "time and duration in the start condition" refer to the actual time and duration, respectively. In an aspect where the start condition includes the time reaching a predetermined time, for example, a time range may be set (e.g., a range such as 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM). The time used in the start condition may also be a time based on the area where the game player resides, or a time based on the area where the viewing user resides.

Examples of time include time related to the progress of the game and time related to live streaming. "Time related to the progress of the game" refers to real time that passes as the game progresses. Examples include the time that has elapsed since the game was launched, the time that has elapsed since the game was first played, and the time that has elapsed since a specified operation was performed. Examples of specified operations include an operation to start the game from stage 1, or an operation to start a new game without using existing save data. Time related to live streaming refers to real time that passes in relation to live streaming. Examples include the time that has elapsed since the live streaming began and the time remaining until the scheduled end of the live streaming.

The start conditions may also include other conditions different from the conditions exemplified above. Examples of other conditions include conditions regarding the timing of starting the combination event. Examples of conditions regarding the timing of start include a condition in which a lottery is held at a predetermined time (for example, periodically) to determine whether or not to start the execution of the combination event, and the combination event is executed when the start is selected; a condition in which the execution of the combination event is started randomly while the game is in progress; a condition in which the combination event is started immediately after another start condition is met or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the other start condition was met; etc.

Furthermore, one start condition may include multiple conditions. For example, a condition for drawing lots at a predetermined timing to determine whether or not to start the execution of the combination event may be combined with a condition for the aforementioned progress status to reach a predetermined progress status, and when both of these conditions are met, the probability of winning by starting the execution of the combination event may be increased. Furthermore, multiple types of start conditions may be set, and when multiple types of start conditions are met simultaneously, the game control unit 111 may simultaneously execute multiple types of combination events corresponding to each of the start conditions.

The combination image display control unit 112 displays an image (hereinafter also referred to as a combination image) showing the game media that make up the above-mentioned predetermined combination on the viewing terminal 70 that is viewing the video distributed by the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30. For example, the combination image display control unit 112 generates a game image by superimposing the combination image on the game image generated by the game control unit 511, and displays the game image on the game terminal 50. As a result, the combination image is displayed on the viewing terminal 70 that is viewing the video that is live-streamed from the game terminal 50. Note that the combination image display control unit 112 may be included in the distribution server 30 instead of or in addition to being included in the game server 10. In this case, the combination image display control unit 112 included in the distribution server 30 receives information for generating the combination image from the game server 10 and generates the combination image based on the received information. Furthermore, when included in the distribution server 30, the combination image display control unit 112 superimposes the generated combination image on the video distributed by the distribution control unit 311. As a result, the combination image is displayed on the viewing terminal 70.

The combination image display control unit 112 also displays, in a distinguishable manner, game media that must be identified by the viewer user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 and game media that do not, among the game media required for the specified combination. This allows the viewer user to easily recognize which game media the viewer user needs to identify in order to fulfill the conditions. However, the game media required for the specified combination do not necessarily need to be displayed in a distinguishable manner as described above.

(Information stored in the game server 10)
The game user information and event definition table stored in the storage unit 130 of the game server 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of game user information. Game user information is stored for each game player. The game user information shown in FIG. 3 indicates information about a single game player. The game user information may include, for example, a game user ID, a user name, a user level, a cleared stage, ownership information, and attribute information.

The game user ID is information that identifies a game player in a game progressed by the game server 10. The user name is a name assigned to the game player. The user name is appropriately displayed on the game terminal 50 or viewing terminal 70 as information identifying the game player. The user level indicates the level of play of the game player in the game. For example, the higher the user level, the higher the level. For example, the user level may be a parameter that increases based on the accumulation of the user's game play results, play time, etc. The cleared stage is an example of information that indicates the progress of the game. In this example, the game is configured to clear multiple stages in order, and the cleared stage indicates the most recent stage cleared by the game player.

The ownership information indicates the game media owned by the game player and the number of game media owned. The game media indicated by the ownership information can be used by the game player in the game. In this example, the "points," "bow," "string," "arrow," and "axe" included in the ownership information are examples of game media, and each of these can be one of the game media identified in a combination event. The attribute information indicates the attributes of the game player. In this example, the attribute information includes information indicating age, nationality, and gender. The attribute information may be referenced in the process of determining whether the start conditions for a combination event are met. The attribute information may also be referenced for sorting or filtering on the video identification screen described below.

Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an event definition table. As shown in Figure 4, the event definition table stores event definition information indicated by each row. The event definition information indicates definitions of combination events that can occur in a game progressed by the game server 10. The example in Figure 4 illustrates event definition information that defines a combination event (hereinafter also referred to as a synthesis event) that grants a game player a generated item (an example of a predetermined game medium) associated with a predetermined combination of synthesis materials (an example of game medium). The combination event in this embodiment is a form that creates the effect of synthesizing a single new game medium from multiple game mediums, and therefore the combination event is also referred to as a "synthesis event."

As shown in FIG. 4, the event definition information includes information indicating an event ID, a generated item, a start condition, and a synthesis condition. The event ID is information that identifies the type of the synthesized event. Hereinafter, a synthesized event with an event ID such as "E1" will also be referred to as synthesized event E1, etc. The start condition is an example of a condition that must be met to start the synthesized event. The synthesis condition is an example of a condition that must be met to grant a generated item to a game player in the synthesized event. The synthesis condition includes information indicating multiple synthesis materials and a viewing user item. In the example of FIG. 4, the synthesis condition includes two to four types of synthesis materials, but may also include five or more types of synthesis materials. The viewing user item indicates a synthesis material that should be identified from the multiple synthesis materials included in the synthesis condition based on the viewing user's operation.

For example, a synthesis material placed in the game may be identified as a viewing user item by an operation of the viewing user. For example, a specific example is where a treasure chest containing synthesis materials is placed in the game, and when the viewing user performs an operation to open the treasure chest, the synthesis material inside the treasure chest is identified as the viewing user item. Also, for example, a synthesis material owned by the viewing user may be identified as a viewing user item by an operation of the viewing user. For example, a specific example is where when the viewing user performs an operation to send a synthesis material owned by the viewing user to the game player, the sent synthesis material is identified as the viewing user item.

The following description focuses on an example in which a synthesis material owned by a viewing user is identified as a viewing user item through the viewing user's operation. Identifying a synthesis material based on the viewing user's operation is also referred to as "the viewing user sending the synthesis material to the game player." By specifying which synthesis materials should be identified as viewing user items, the viewing user's cooperation is required to achieve the synthesis conditions. This motivates viewing users to support the broadcaster, further enhancing the video. Note that among the synthesis materials, some synthesis materials must be owned by the game player in advance. This requires the game player and viewing user to cooperate to achieve the synthesis conditions, further enhancing the video.

For example, in compositing event E1, of compositing materials 1 to 3 included in the compositing conditions, compositing materials 2 and 3 are defined as viewing user items. Compositing material 1 must be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in compositing event E2, of compositing materials 1 and 2 included in the compositing conditions, compositing material 1 is defined as a viewing user item. Compositing material 2 must be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in compositing event E3, it is defined that any two or more of compositing materials 1 to 4 included in the compositing conditions are viewing user items. In this case, all four may be viewing user items, or any one or two may be owned by the game player. Also, for example, in compositing event E4, any two of compositing materials 1 to 4 included in the compositing conditions are defined as viewing user items. In this case, unlike compositing event E3, the game player must own any two of them. Also, for example, in compositing event E6, it is defined that any one or more of compositing materials 1 to 3 included in the compositing conditions are viewing user items, and that they are identified in the order of compositing material 1, compositing material 2, and compositing material 3.

For example, the start conditions for combined events E1 to E3 (e.g., "Boss A appears") are an example of a start condition under which the progress reaches a predetermined progress status. The start conditions for combined events E4 to E6 (e.g., "Defeat the final boss once") are an example of a start condition under which the play result reaches a predetermined play result. The start conditions for combined events E7 to E9 (e.g., "Equip a staff") are an example of a start condition under which the setting information associated with the game content by the game player is predetermined. The start conditions for combined events E10 to E12 (e.g., "Five or more viewers") are an example of a start condition under which the video viewing status reaches a predetermined viewing status. The start conditions for combined events E13 to E15 (e.g., "7:00 PM") are an example of a start condition under which the time reaches a predetermined time. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, combined events may have start conditions that reference the attribute information of the game player. For example, a start condition may be that there are five or more viewers from a country different from the country of the game user. Note that the example in Figure 4 illustrates a composite event with a defined start condition, but there may also be composite events that do not have a defined start condition and are held continuously throughout game play.

For example, in combination events E1 to E15, it is specified that a generated item such as a "bow and arrow" will be granted to the game player when the combination condition is met. The generated item "bow and arrow" is, for example, an item effective against Boss A when "Boss A appears," which is the start condition for combination event E1. In this way, if the start condition includes "the progress reaches a predetermined progress state" (e.g., combination events E1 to E3), the generated item may be an item that provides an advantage in game progress at that predetermined progress state. Also, if the start condition includes "the play results in a predetermined play result" (e.g., combination events E4 to E6), the generated item may be an item that provides an advantage in game progress at that play result. Also, if the start condition includes "the setting information associated with the game content by the game player is predetermined" (e.g., combination events E7 to E9), the generated item may be an item that provides an advantage in game progress when the setting information is predetermined.

(Functional configuration of distribution server 30)
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of distribution server 30. As shown in Fig. 5, distribution server 30 includes a control unit 310 and a storage unit 330. Control unit 310 is realized by processor 31 executing a program stored in memory 32. Storage unit 330 is configured by memory 32.

The control unit 310 includes a distribution control unit 311, a viewing user game media identification unit 312, a video identification screen display control unit 313, a priority display control unit 314, and a viewing request instruction acceptance unit 315. The storage unit 330 stores distribution service user information, viewing history information, game service information, a distribution video management table, and a occurring event management table.

The distribution control unit 311 live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal 70 for viewing the video. For example, the game in progress is a game in progress on a game terminal 50. The video showing the game in progress may be received, for example, from the game terminal 50, or from a distribution terminal (not shown) connected to the game terminal 50. In this embodiment, the video showing the game in progress is received from the game terminal 50.

The viewing user game media identification unit 312 identifies at least one of the game media that make up the predetermined combination based on the operation of the viewing user, who is the user of the viewing terminal and is watching the video described above. For example, the viewing user game media identification unit 312 may identify at least some of the game media owned by the viewing user watching the video showing the game described above as at least one of the game media that make up the predetermined combination described above, based on the operation of the viewing user. This allows the viewing user to participate in the live-streamed game using the game media they own. For example, the viewing user will need to consider which game media to send to make up the predetermined combination. This increases the desire to participate in the game compared to techniques that simply send game media to game players.

The video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the viewing terminal 70 to display a video identification operator that accepts instructions to identify a video to play on the viewing terminal 70, and a video identification screen that includes combination event information related to combination events in the game corresponding to the video. This makes it possible to provide a user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch with information that can serve as new criteria for selecting a video that is currently being live streamed.

Here, "combined event information" refers to information related to a combined event. Examples of combined event information include progress status information that indicates the progress of a combined event.

"Progress" refers to a situation that can change as the combination event progresses, and "progress information" is information that indicates the progress. Examples of progress information include achievement status information that indicates the status of condition achievement and information that indicates the time remaining until the time limit. "Achievement status" refers to a situation that can change as the combination event progresses, and indicates the degree to which a condition has been achieved, and "achievement information" is information that indicates the status of achievement.

By having the video identification screen display control unit 313 display the progress status information on the video identification screen, the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch can be provided with information on the progress status of the combination event as a basis for making a decision. Furthermore, by having the video identification screen display control unit 313 display the achievement status information on the video identification screen, the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch can be provided with information on the achievement status of the combination event as a basis for making a decision.

Examples of achievement status information include information indicating unspecified game media that are required for a specific combination but have not been specified as game media that make up the specific combination; information indicating missing game media that are not owned by the game player or the viewing user watching the video; information indicating game media that have already been specified as game media that make up the combination; and information that quantifies the degree to which a condition has been met. If the achievement status information includes information indicating game media that have already been specified as game media that make up the combination, the video identification screen display control unit 313 may display only the specified game media. Furthermore, quantified information may include, for example, if four game media are required to meet a condition but one game medium has been specified, information that quantifies the current percentage of achievement, where 100% is the completion rate, such as "25%." When displaying such quantified information, images based on numerical values, such as bar graphs, may also be used.

In a mode in which the video identification screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays information indicating unidentified game media from information indicating game media other than the unidentified game media among the game media required for the specified combination, the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to watch can be provided with information on game media that has not yet been identified in the combination event as a basis for making a decision.

Furthermore, in a mode in which the video identification screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays information indicating the missing game media from information indicating game media other than the missing game media among the game media required for the specified combination, the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to watch can check in advance, when selecting a video to watch, which video they should select to receive support based on the missing game media.

In addition, the combination event information may include information other than progress status information. For example, it may include information indicating that a combination event has occurred, information indicating at least some of the game media required for a specified combination, information indicating which of the game media required for a specified combination is owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the specific video screen is being displayed, information indicating the content of a specified process that will be executed when a condition is satisfied, and, if a time limit is set for achieving the condition of the combination event, the set time.

In a mode in which the video identification screen display control unit 313 displays "information indicating at least a portion of the game media required for a specified combination," the game media required for the combination can be provided as information for decision-making during a combination event to the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch.

In addition, in a mode in which the video specific screen display control unit 313 distinguishably displays the game media owned by the viewing terminal user and information indicating game media other than the game media owned by the viewing terminal user among the game media required for the specified combination, the user of the viewing terminal 70 who is searching for a video to watch can check in advance, when selecting a video to watch, which video to select in order to receive support based on the game media owned by the user.
Furthermore, the combined event information exemplified above may be a combination of multiple types.

For example, in a case where the combination event information includes information indicating at least some of the game media that make up a specified combination and also includes information indicating the game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, it is possible to increase the motivation of non-viewing users who own the relevant game media to watch the video.

Furthermore, in a configuration in which the combined event information includes information indicating unspecified game media and information indicating game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, it is possible to increase the motivation of non-viewing users who own the corresponding game media to watch the video.

The combined event information may be generated by either the game server 10 or the distribution server 30. For example, part of the combined event information may be generated by the game server 10, and the distribution server 30 may further combine information such as the ownership status of game media of the user of the viewing terminal 70 described above with the part of the combined event information to generate the combined event information.

A "video identification operator" is an operator that accepts an instruction to identify a video. The operator is, for example, displayed on the screen in a manner that allows the operator's operation position to be identified. The video identification operator may display, for example, an image of a part of a video showing a game, the name of the game, the name of the game player, etc. Furthermore, combination event information may be displayed on the corresponding video identification operator. Furthermore, the video identification screen may display a list of multiple video identification operators, each corresponding to an individual video. This allows users who have not yet viewed a video to select a video they wish to view from the list.

The video identification screen display control unit 313 may also display information indicating the number of times that the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is being displayed has identified game media that make up a specified combination in combination events that have been previously executed by the game control unit 111 by a game player who is playing the game corresponding to the video. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 searching for a video to watch to be provided with information on which game players support has been provided in combination events in the past, as information to help them select a video.

The priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to prioritize displaying at least some of the video identification operators from among multiple video identification operators on the video identification screen, in response to an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is being displayed. Furthermore, when the operation is an operation to prioritize displaying a video identification operator corresponding to a game in which a combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to prioritize displaying that video identification operator. In response to the instruction, the video identification screen display control unit 313 prioritizes displaying that video identification operator on the viewing terminal 70. This improves the convenience of the user interface for identifying a video to be viewed.

Here, the priority display control unit 314 is a functional block that controls the display of at least some of the multiple video specifying operators based on the operation of the user of the viewing terminal 70. Displaying with priority can mean, for example, rearranging the video specifying operators to be displayed so that a specific video specifying operator is displayed at the top (sorting), or displaying only the video specifying operators to be displayed with priority, without displaying the other video specifying operators (filtering).

Furthermore, when the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed performs an operation to preferentially display, from among games corresponding to multiple video identification operators, a game in which a combination event required for a specified game content to satisfy a condition is currently being executed, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to preferentially display the video identification operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is currently being executed. In response to this instruction, the video identification screen display control unit 313 causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display this video identification operator. This makes it easier to select a video to view based on the game content required for the combination event.

The viewing request instruction receiving unit 315 receives a viewing request instruction from a game player progressing through a game, requesting that a user of a specific viewing terminal 70 view a video showing that game. The video identification screen display control unit 313 displays information indicating the viewing request to the user, along with a video identification operator corresponding to the video. This allows the game player to encourage the specific user to view the video. The user of the viewing terminal 70 can easily find the video they are being asked to view.

(Information stored in distribution server 30)
The following describes the distribution service user information, viewing history information, game service information, distribution video management table, and occurring event management table stored in the storage unit 330 of the distribution server 30. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution service user information. The distribution service user information is stored for each user (hereinafter also referred to as a distribution service user) who uses the distribution service provided by the distribution server 30. The distribution service user information shown in FIG. 6 indicates information about a single distribution service user. For example, the distribution service user information may include a distribution service usage ID, a user name, ownership information, friends, favorites, and attribute information.

The distribution service usage ID is information that identifies a distribution service user. Here, a distribution service user is either a game player who live-streams a video showing the game they are playing, or a viewing user who watches that video. In other words, in order for a game player to live-stream a video showing the game they are playing, not only a game user ID but also a distribution service usage ID is required. A viewing user can watch the video showing the game even if they do not have a game user ID, as long as they have a distribution service usage ID. The username is a name assigned to the distribution service user. The username is displayed as appropriate on game terminal 50 or viewing terminal 70 as information identifying the distribution service user.

The ownership information indicates the game media that the distribution service user can send as viewing user items and the number of game media owned. The ownership information also includes information indicating the types of games in which the game media can be used. In this example, the ownership information includes two "bow" game media that can be used in game A. The game media included in the ownership information may also be shared among multiple types of games. For example, in this example, the ownership information includes 20 "diamond" game media that can be sent to game players in both games A and B. Note that in this embodiment, when the distribution service user plays a game as a game player, the game media indicated by the ownership information included in the distribution service user information cannot be used in game play. Furthermore, when the distribution service user watches a live game broadcast as a viewing user, and the distribution service user also has a game user ID, the distribution service user cannot send the game media indicated by the ownership information included in the game user information as a viewing user item.

Friends indicates the IDs of one or more other distribution service users who have a friend relationship with the distribution service user. Favorites indicates the IDs of one or more other distribution service users who are followed by the distribution service user. Attribute information indicates the attributes of the distribution service user. In this example, the attribute information includes information indicating age, nationality, and gender. Each of friends, favorites, and attribute information may be referenced in the process of determining whether the start conditions for a composite event are met. Furthermore, each of friends, favorites, and attribute information may be referenced for sorting or filtering on the video identification screen described below.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of viewing history information. Viewing history information is stored for each distribution service user. The viewing history information shown in Figure 7 shows history information of videos showing live-streamed games viewed by a single distribution service user as a viewing user. The viewing history information may also include information about the live stream currently being viewed. The viewing history information includes information indicating the viewing date and time, a distribution ID, and viewing user items. The information indicating viewing user items includes the game media and the number of game media sent as viewing user items while the video was being viewed. According to the viewing history information shown in Figure 7, this distribution service user is currently watching a live-streamed video with distribution ID "L1" as a viewing user, and has not currently sent a viewing user item. Furthermore, this distribution service user has previously watched videos with distribution IDs "L47" and "L120" as a viewing user. Furthermore, this distribution service user sent two arrows to the game player as viewing user items while watching the video with distribution ID "L47," but did not send any viewing user items while watching the video with distribution ID "L120." Here, by referencing the distributed video management table described below, the game player who is the distributor can be identified from the distribution ID. Therefore, by referencing the viewing history information and the distributed video management table, it is possible to tally the number of viewings by viewing users in the past for each game player, and to tally the number of viewing user items sent by viewing users for each game player. This aggregated information may be referenced for sorting or filtering on the video identification screen described below.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of game service information. Each row in Figure 8 represents game service information. The game service information is information indicating the type of game being played by a game server 10 that can communicate with the distribution server 30, and in this example includes a game name and a game ID. The game name is the name of the game. The game ID is information that identifies the type of game. The distribution server 30 is capable of distributing videos that represent the types of games stored as game service information.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution video management table. As shown in Figure 9, the distribution video management table stores distribution video management information indicated by each row. Distribution video management information is information for managing live-streamed videos, and is created when live streaming begins. Furthermore, distribution video management information may be deleted when live streaming ends, or may be saved as history. In this embodiment, distribution video management information after live streaming ends is deleted from the distribution video management table and saved separately as history. Distribution video management information saved separately as history is also referred to below as "past distribution video management information." In this example, the distribution video management information includes information indicating the distribution ID, distribution game, viewing request destination, game player (distributor), and viewing user.

The broadcast ID is information that identifies the live broadcast and is issued by the broadcast server 30 when live broadcasting of a video showing a game begins. The broadcast game is a game ID that indicates the type of game being live-streamed. The information indicating the viewing request recipient includes the broadcast service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 who has been requested by the game player to watch the video. The information indicating the viewing request recipient may be updated during the live broadcast of the video. The information indicating the game player (broadcaster) includes the game user ID, broadcast service user ID, and user level of the broadcaster who is the game player. The information indicating the broadcast game and game player (broadcaster) is transmitted from the game terminal 50 when live broadcasting of the game begins.

The user level may be information obtained by converting the user level in a game into a common user level. For example, suppose that user levels in game A are managed as numbers from 1 to 100, and that common user levels are managed in three stages (e.g., beginner, intermediate, and advanced) in distribution server 30. In this case, distribution server 30 may pre-store a conversion rule for converting the user level in game A to the common user level. For example, the conversion rule may be a rule for converting the user level ranges in game A (e.g., 1 to 25, 26 to 75, 76 to 100) into common user level stages (e.g., beginner, intermediate, and advanced).

The information indicating viewing users includes the distribution service user IDs of one or more viewing users who are watching a video showing the game being live-streamed. The information indicating viewing users is updated in real time during the live stream. In addition, past distribution video management information that is saved separately after the live stream ends may include information indicating viewing users who watched for a predetermined time or more, or a predetermined percentage of the time or more, during the live stream.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a occurring event management table. As shown in Figure 10, the occurring event management table stores occurring event management information indicated by each row. The occurring event management information includes information for obtaining the progress status of a combination event occurring in a game being live-streamed. The occurring event management information is created when a combination event occurs. The occurring event management information may be deleted when the combination event ends, or may be stored separately as history. In this embodiment, the occurring event management information is deleted when the combination event ends. In the example of Figure 10, the occurring event management information includes information indicating a broadcast ID, a occurring event ID, remaining time, synthesis conditions, and unspecified materials (an example of unspecified game media). The broadcast ID indicates the live broadcast of the game in which the combined event is occurring. The occurring event ID is information indicating the type of the occurring combined event and indicates the event ID of the event definition information in which the combined event is defined. The remaining time indicates the remaining time if a time limit is set for the combined event. The remaining time is updated according to the time elapsed since the combined event occurred. Note that a time limit may not be set. In such cases, the remaining time is not set. The synthesis conditions indicate the synthesis conditions of the synthesis event. The synthesis conditions are as described with reference to Figure 4. The unspecified materials indicate synthesis materials that have not yet been sent by any viewing users, among the synthesis materials defined as viewing user items in the synthesis conditions of the synthesis event. By referencing information indicating the unspecified materials, it is possible to calculate the achievement status, which is an example of the progress status of the synthesis event.

In this example, "Boss A has appeared" in the game shown in the video being live-streamed with distribution ID "L1," and therefore synthesis event E1 shown in Figure 4 is currently occurring. Furthermore, synthesis material 2 "String" and synthesis material 3 "Arrow," which are defined as viewing user items in this synthesis event E1, are unspecified materials that have not yet been sent. Note that information indicating unspecified materials is updated based on the viewing user items included in the synthesis conditions and the sending status by the viewing user. For example, in the game shown in the video being live-streamed with distribution ID "L1," if synthesis material 2 "String" is sent by one of the viewing users, the unspecified material in the first row shown in Figure 10 is updated from "String, Arrow" to just "Arrow."

(Functional configuration of game terminal 50)
Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of game terminal 50. As shown in Fig. 11, game terminal 50 includes a control unit 510 and a storage unit 530. Control unit 510 is realized by processor 51 executing a program stored in memory 52. Storage unit 530 is configured by memory 52.

The control unit 510 includes a game control unit 511, a game UI unit 512, a video transmission unit 513, and a distribution UI unit 514. The storage unit 530 stores game user information. Note that the "UI" in the game UI unit 512 refers to a user interface, and the user interface will also be referred to as "UI" hereinafter. This game user information is synchronized with the game user information of the game player using the game terminal 50, among the game user information stored in the game server 10. Note that in an environment where communication delays between the game terminal 50 and the game server 10 do not need to be taken into consideration, the storage unit 530 does not need to store game user information. In this case, the control unit 510 may obtain the information from the game user information required for operation by querying the game server 10.

The game control unit 511 cooperates with the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 to progress the game based on operations performed by the game player to play the game. The game UI unit 512 accepts operations performed by the game player to play the game. The game UI unit 512 also displays game images generated by the game control unit 511. The video transmission unit 513 generates video in real time from the game images generated by the game control unit 511. The game control unit 511 also transmits the generated video to the distribution server 30. The distribution UI unit 514 accepts operations from the game player to live-stream the game in progress as a video based on the player's operations. The video transmission unit 513 and the distribution UI unit 514 may be implemented as one of the functions of the game progressed by the game control unit 511, or may be implemented as an application separate from the game. The video transmission unit 513 and the distribution UI unit 514 do not necessarily have to be included in the game terminal 50, but may be included in a distribution terminal (not shown) connected to the game terminal 50.

(Functional configuration of the viewing terminal 70)
Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the viewing terminal 70. As shown in Fig. 12, the viewing terminal 70 includes a control unit 710 and a storage unit 730. The control unit 710 is realized by a processor 71 executing a program stored in a memory 72. The storage unit 730 is configured by the memory 72.

The control unit 710 includes a video playback unit 711 and a viewing UI unit 712. The storage unit 730 stores distribution service user information. This distribution service user information is synchronized with the distribution service user information of the viewing user using the viewing terminal 70, among the distribution service user information stored in the distribution server 30. Note that in an environment where communication delays between the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution server 30 do not need to be taken into consideration, the storage unit 730 does not need to store the distribution service user information. In this case, the control unit 710 may obtain information from the distribution service user information necessary for operation by querying the distribution server 30.

The video playback unit 711 plays and displays videos received from the distribution server 30. The viewing UI unit 712 displays a viewing UI that allows the viewing user to participate in the game indicated by the video being viewed. The viewing UI includes, for example, a sending UI. The sending UI is a user interface for sending any of the game media owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item to the distributor of the video being viewed. The viewing UI may also include, for example, a communication UI. The communication UI is a user interface that enables communication between the viewing user of the viewing terminal 70 and other viewing users and/or game players who are distributors during live distribution. For example, the communication UI may be a UI that allows text messages to be sent and received (hereinafter also referred to as text chat) or a UI that allows voice messages to be sent and received (hereinafter also referred to as voice chat).

<Processing of System 1>
System 1 configured as described above executes method S1. FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow of method S1. In the following description of method S1, a composite event such as the one illustrated in FIG. 7 is used as a combination event. As described above, a composite event is an example of a combination event that provides a game player with a generated item (an example of a predetermined game content) associated with a predetermined combination of composite materials (an example of a game content). As shown in FIG. 13, method S1 includes processing for starting a game and live streaming (steps S500 to S508, S100, S300 to S308, S702 to S704) and processing in response to the occurrence of a composite event (steps S102 to S114, S310).

(Processing to start games and live streaming)
In step S500, the game UI unit 512 of the game terminal 50 accepts an operation to play the game by the game player. In addition, the game control unit 511 cooperates with the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 to progress the game in accordance with the accepted operation.

Step S100 is an example of a game control step. In step S100, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 cooperates with the game control unit 511 of the game terminal 50 to progress the game. Below, the game UI unit 512, game control unit 511, and game control unit 111 repeat the process of progressing the game in accordance with the play operations, in parallel with each of the steps executed thereafter.

In step S502, the distribution UI unit 514 of the game device 50 accepts an operation to start live distribution of a video showing a game. Note that step S502 may be executed before S501. In other words, the game player may start playing the game before starting distribution, or may start the game after starting distribution.

In step S504, the video transmission unit 513 transmits distribution information indicating the live distribution to be started to the distribution server 30. The distribution information includes the game player's game user ID, distribution service user ID, and game ID.

In step S506, the video transmission unit 513 generates a video in real time from the game image displayed on the game terminal 50. The video transmission unit 513 also transmits the generated video to the distribution server 30. The video transmission unit 513 repeats the process of generating a video showing the game and transmitting it to the distribution server 30 in parallel with each subsequent step executed.

In step S300, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 generates new distribution video management information based on the received distribution information and adds it to the distribution video management table. For example, the distribution control unit 311 generates distribution video management information (see, for example, the first line in Figure 9) that includes the issued new distribution ID "L1." The distribution control unit 311 also includes the game ID "A" included in the received distribution information in the new distribution video management information. The distribution control unit 311 also includes the game user ID "A88" and distribution service user ID "U99" included in the received distribution information in the new distribution video management information as information indicating the game player (distributor).

Step S302 is an example of a video specific screen display control step. In step S302, system 1 references the distribution video management table and executes a selection process that prompts the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select one of the videos being live-streamed. The selection process selects the video that the user of the viewing terminal 70 wishes to view. Details of the selection process will be described later.

Step S304 is an example of a distribution control step. In step S304, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 receives the video selected by the viewing user from the game terminal 50 and transmits it to the viewing terminal 70. In step S702, the video playback unit 711 of the viewing terminal 70 plays and displays the video as it receives it from the distribution server 30. Note that the distribution control unit 311 may add necessary information (such as the name of the game player) to the video received from the game terminal 50 and transmit it to the viewing terminal 70. The distribution control unit 311 repeats the process of transmitting the video in parallel with each of the steps that are subsequently executed. Also, the video playback unit 711 repeats the process of playing the video in parallel with each of the steps that are subsequently executed.

In step S306, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 adds information indicating that the viewing user is watching the video to the viewing history information of the viewing user. For example, if the distribution ID of the video is "L1", the information shown in the first line of Figure 7 is added to the viewing history information of the viewing user. Note that at the time viewing begins, the viewing user has not yet sent the game medium as a viewing user item, so the viewing user item item in the first line is "none".

In step S308, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 relays messages exchanged between the game terminal 50 and the viewing terminal 70 using a communication UI (e.g., text chat, voice chat, etc.).

In step S508, the distribution UI unit 514 of the game device 50 acquires a message input by the game player using the communication UI and transmits it to the distribution server 30. The distribution UI unit 514 also receives a message from the viewing user from the distribution server 30 and outputs the received message via the communication UI.

In step S704, the viewing UI unit 712 acquires a message input by the viewing user using the communication UI and transmits it to the distribution server 30. The viewing UI unit 712 also receives a message from the game player from the distribution server 30 and outputs the received message via the communication UI.

The operations of steps S308, S508, and S704 do not necessarily have to be performed in this order, and may be performed in a different order, or some or all of them may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the operations of steps S308, S508, and S704 may be performed in parallel with the subsequent steps as appropriate.

(Processing in response to the occurrence of a synthetic event)
As described in steps S500 and S100, the game progresses in response to the operations performed by the game player through game terminal 50 and game server 10. When a combined event occurs during the game, a process corresponding to the occurrence of the combined event is executed.

In step S102, the game control unit 111 determines whether the start condition for each combined event is met by referencing an event definition table such as that shown in FIG. 4. If there are no combined events for which the start condition is met (No in step S102), the game control unit 111 repeats step S102. If there are combined events for which the start condition is met (Yes in step S102), the game control unit 111 executes the combined event. "Executing a combined event" means executing steps S104 to S114.

In step S104, the game control unit 111 starts the combined event. For example, the game control unit 111 transmits start information indicating that the combined event has started to the distribution server 30. The start information may include, for example, the game player's game user ID, an event ID indicating the type of combined event to be started, a time limit, and information indicating the combination conditions.

Step S310 is an example of a viewing user game media identification step. In step S310, system 1 executes a sending process in which a viewing user item, which is one of the synthesis materials in the ongoing synthesis event, is sent from the viewing user to the game player. Through this sending process, information indicating the viewing user item is sent from the distribution server 30 to the game server 10. Details of this sending process will be described later.

In step S108, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 references the information indicating the viewing user item received from the distribution server 30 and determines whether the synthesis conditions for the occurring synthesis event have been met. If it is determined that the synthesis conditions have not been met (No in step S108), the next step S110 is executed.

In step S110, the game control unit 111 determines whether the combined event has ended. For example, if a time limit is set for the combined event, it may determine whether the time limit has been reached. However, the criteria for determining whether the event has ended are not limited to this. If it is determined that the combined event has not ended (No in step S110), the processing is repeated from step S310.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the synthesis condition is met (Yes in step S108), the next step S112 is executed. In step S112, the game control unit 111 grants the generated item defined in the synthesis event to the game player. Specifically, for example, the game control unit 111 updates the ownership information in the game user information of the game player to include the generated item. The game control unit 111 also synchronizes the updated game user information with the game user information of the game terminal 50. This allows the game player to play the game using the generated item.

Next, in step S114, the game control unit 111 notifies the distribution server 30 that the combined event has ended. In response to this notification, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 deletes the occurring event management information related to the combined event from the occurring event management table. The distribution control unit 311 notifies the viewing terminal 70 that the combined event has ended. In response to this notification, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 may end the display of the delivery UI. Note that the processing of step S114 is also executed when it is determined in step S110 that the combined event has ended.

(Detailed flow of sending process)
Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the sending process in step S310 of Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, the sending process S310 includes steps S540, S140 to S142, S340 to S348, and S740 to S744.

Step S140 is an example of a combination image display control step. In step S140, the combination image display control unit 112 of the game server 10 generates an image (hereinafter also referred to as a "composite material image") showing the composite material defined in the ongoing composite event. The game control unit 111 also includes the composite material image in a game image and transmits it to the game device 50.

In step S540, the game UI unit 512 of the game terminal 50 displays a game image including the composite material image. The video transmission unit 513 generates a video from the game image including the composite material image and transmits it to the distribution server 30. The distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 continues to receive the video from the game terminal 50 and transmit it to the viewing terminal 70, as described in step S304. The video playback unit 711 of the viewing terminal 70 continues to receive the video from the distribution server 30 and play it, as described in step S702. As a result, in step S740, the video including the composite material image is played on the viewing terminal 70.

In step S340, in response to receiving start information from the game server 10 in step S104, the distribution control unit 311 of the distribution server 30 generates new occurring event management information based on the start information and adds it to the occurring event management table. For example, if the game user ID included in the start information is "A88," the distribution control unit 311 identifies the broadcast ID "L1" of the live broadcast being broadcast by game player A88 by referring to the broadcast video management table. The distribution control unit 311 then generates new occurring event management information (see, for example, the first row in Figure 10) that includes the broadcast ID "L1." The distribution control unit 311 also includes the event ID "E1" included in the received start information in the new occurring event management information. The distribution control unit 311 also includes the time limit "3 minutes" included in the received start information as the remaining time in the new occurring event management information. In addition, the distribution control unit 311 includes the viewing user item "Bowstring, Arrow" defined in the synthesis conditions included in the received start information as an "unspecified material" in the newly occurring event management information.

In step S342, the viewing user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 generates a sending UI for sending the viewing user item specified in the ongoing composite event, and transmits the generated sending UI to the viewing terminal 70. The sending UI is generated based on the synthesis materials specified in the ongoing composite event, the viewing user's ownership information, etc. In step S742, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the sending UI.

In step S744, the viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation to send the game media owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item. In response to the operation, the viewing UI unit 712 also transmits information indicating the viewing user item to the distribution server 30.

In step S344, the viewing user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 identifies the viewing user item by receiving information indicating the viewing user item from the viewing terminal 70. In step S346, the viewing user game media identification unit 312 transmits the received information indicating the viewing user item to the game server 10. In step S142, the game control unit 111 of the game server 10 receives the information indicating the viewing user item. The received information indicating the game media is referenced in the aforementioned step S108, which determines whether the synthesis conditions are satisfied.

In step S348, the control unit 310 updates the ownership information included in the distribution service user information of the viewing user by subtracting one from the number of game media identified as viewing user items. The control unit 310 also adds information indicating that one viewing user item has been sent to the viewing history information of the viewing user. For example, assume that the sent viewing user item is "string" and the distribution ID of the video is "L1." In this case, in the first row of the viewing history information shown in FIG. 7, the viewing user item item is updated from "none" to "string x 1." The control unit 310 also deletes the information indicating the game media sent as viewing user items from the information indicating unspecified materials in the occurring event management information for the composite event. In the example of FIG. 10, the occurring event management information in the first row is updated from the unspecified material "string, arrow" to "arrow" in response to the sending of "string."

(Screen example for sending process)
15 is a diagram illustrating an example screen G1 displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in steps S740 to S744 of the sending process. The example screen G1 includes a video playback area G11, a sending UI area G12, and a communication UI area G13. The video playback area G11 is an area for playing a video showing a game in progress on the game terminal 50, and is delivered from the game terminal 50 via the delivery server 30. The video playback area G11 includes game player information G111 and a composite material image G112.

The game player information G111 is information indicating the game player who is the distributor of the game. The game player information G111 may be information that the distribution server 30 superimposes on a video transmitted from the game terminal 50. In this example, the game player information G111 includes the game player's username. Here, the game player information G111 may be obtained by the distribution server 30 querying the game server 10 using a game user ID included in the distributed video management information. The game player information G111 may also be generated based on the distribution service user information using a distribution service user ID included in the distributed video management information. In this way, the distribution control unit 311 may generate the game player information G111 by referencing the distributed video management table, and transmit it to the viewing terminal 70 by superimposing it on the video. Note that the video playback area G11 is not limited to the game player information G111, and may also include any information added to the video by the distribution server 30.

The composite material image G112 is an example of an "image showing game media that make up a specified combination." The composite material image G112 is an image generated by the combination image display control unit 112 of the game server 10. A video generated from game images that include the composite material image G112 is distributed from the game terminal 50 to the viewing terminal 70 via the distribution server 30. As a result, the composite material image G112 is displayed on the viewing terminal 70. In other words, the composite material image G112 shows the composite material defined in the composite event currently occurring in the game shown by the video being viewed.

In the example of FIG. 15, the composite material image G112 is an example of a display mode when the composite event E16 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. The composite material image G112 includes a "bow" icon G113, a "string" icon G114, and an "arrow" icon G115, which correspond to composite materials 1 to 3 in the composite event E16. In the composite event E16, the composite condition is met if any of the composite materials 1 to 3 that the game player does not own is sent by the viewing user. The icons G113 to G115 that make up the composite material image G112 are displayed so that it can be distinguished whether or not they are owned by the game player. In this example, the game player owns a "bow" and a "string," but not an "arrow." Therefore, the "arrow" icon G115 is displayed in a light color, indicating that it is not owned by the game player. The composite materials "bow" and "string" that the game player owns do not need to be sent by the viewing user. On the other hand, the composite material "arrow" that the game player does not own needs to be sent by the viewing user. In other words, by viewing the compositing material image G112, the viewing user can distinguish between compositing materials that need to be sent and compositing materials that do not need to be sent. Note that the display manner of each compositing material that allows the game player to distinguish whether or not it is owned by the game player is not limited to the example described above.

In this example, the composite material image G112 does not include information that "it is mandatory to send at least one of the three composite materials to the viewing user," but the screen example G1 may include this mandatory information. Examples of including this mandatory information include (1) including an icon of the composite material designated as the viewing user item in a specific display format, and (2) displaying the number of remaining composite materials to be sent as the viewing user item. Specific examples of these will be described below with reference to the composite material images G112A (Figure 16) and G112B (Figure 17).

The sending UI area G12 is an area that displays the sending UI. As described above, the sending UI is a UI for sending one of the synthesis materials owned by the viewing user as a viewing user item to the distributor of the video being viewed. The sending UI is generated by the viewing user game media identification unit 312 of the distribution server 30 and displayed by being transmitted to the viewing terminal 70. The sending UI includes sending buttons G121, G122, and G123. The sending buttons G121, G122, and G123 accept operations to send each synthesis material in the currently occurring synthesis event. In the example of FIG. 15, the sending button G121 corresponds to the "bow" icon G113 and accepts an operation to send a "bow." The sending button G122 corresponds to the "string" icon G114 and accepts an operation to send a "string." The sending button G123 corresponds to the "arrow" icon G115 and accepts an operation to send an "arrow." Furthermore, each send button G121, G122, G123 displays the number of that synthesis material owned by the viewing user. If the number is "0," meaning the viewing user does not own that synthesis material, the send button may be configured not to accept a send operation. In the example of FIG. 15 , the viewing user owns three "arrows." Therefore, the send button G123 corresponding to "arrows" is able to accept an operation. On the other hand, the viewing user does not own either a "bow" or a "string." Therefore, the send buttons G121 and G122 corresponding to the "bow" and the "string," respectively, may not be able to accept an operation. Note that instead of not being able to accept an operation, the send buttons G121 and G122 may be configured to display a purchase screen for the synthesis material that the viewing user does not own (in this example, a "bow" or a "string") in response to an operation.

The communication UI area G13 is an area where viewing user "AAA" viewing this screen example G1 can communicate with other viewing users and/or game players who are broadcasters, and is a text chat area for exchanging text messages. In the example of Figure 15, the communication UI area G13 includes messages G131 to G134. Message G131 is a message from another viewing user "BBB" to game player "XXX." Message G131 informs the game player that the generated item "bow and arrow" to be synthesized in the currently occurring event is effective against the "enemy" currently being fought. In response, game player "XXX" already owns a "bow." Therefore, game player "XXX" sends message G132 requesting that the other "string" and "arrows" necessary to fulfill the synthesis conditions be sent. In response to this, it is assumed that viewing user "BBB" owns a "string" and has performed an operation to send the "string" to game player "XXX." Message G133 indicates that viewing user "BBB" has sent the "string" to game player "XXX." The composite material image G112 in FIG. 15 shows the achievement status of the composite conditions at the time message G133 was sent. In other words, game player "XXX" owns a "bow" but does not own a "string" or an "arrow." However, viewing user "BBB" has sent the "string," leaving only the "arrow" as an unspecified material. Here, viewing user "AAA" of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G1 is displayed owns the unspecified material, an "arrow." Therefore, a message G134 indicating that the "arrow" will be sent is sent from viewing user "AAA" to game player "XXX." After this, viewing user "AAA" operates the send button G123, and the "arrow" is sent to game player "XXX" as a viewing user item.

In the above example, it was explained that the communication UI area G13 is already displayed in response to starting viewing of a live game broadcast (step S704). That is, in this embodiment, when viewing of a live broadcast begins, the video playback area G11 and communication UI area G13 are displayed, and the sending UI area G12 is further displayed in response to the occurrence of a combination event. However, the display period of each area is not limited to this. For example, the communication UI area G13 may be displayed in response to the occurrence of a combination event, similar to the sending UI area G12. Alternatively, the sending UI area G12 may be displayed in response to starting viewing of a live broadcast, similar to the communication UI area G13. In this case, the sending buttons G121 to G123 may be unable to accept operations during a period when no combination event is occurring. Furthermore, during a period when no combination event is occurring, the sending UI area G12 may include not only a list of combination materials for a specific combination event, but also a list of game media owned by the viewing user that can be used as combination materials for any combination event.

(Example of a screen when a viewing user item is specified)
Here, the screen example G1 shown in FIG. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a compositing event in which no viewing user item is specifically designated. In contrast, FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a compositing event in which a compositing material to be sent as a viewing user item is designated. Note that in FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted from the illustration, and only the video playback area G11A is shown. The video playback area G11A includes a composite material image G112A, which has a display mode different from the composite material image G112. Differences between the composite material image G112A and the composite material image G112 will be described below. Other points will be described in the same way as the composite material image G112, so details will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 16, the composite material image G112A shows an example of a display mode when the composite event E1 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In this composite event E1, two of the multiple composite materials 1 to 3, composite materials 2 and 3, are designated as viewing user items. The composite materials 2 and 3 designated as viewing user items must be sent by the viewing user, regardless of whether the game player owns them. Therefore, the icons G113A to G115A constituting the composite material image G112A are displayed in a way that distinguishes whether they have been designated as viewing user items, and whether they have been identified. Note that a viewing user item being identified indicates that it has already been sent by the viewing user viewing the screen example G1 or another viewing user. In this example, the viewing user items, the "string" icon G114A and the "arrow" icon G115A corresponding to composite materials 2 and 3, are surrounded by a thick frame indicating that they have been designated as viewing user items. Furthermore, while the "string" among the viewing user items has already been identified, the "arrow" is an unidentified material that has not yet been identified. Therefore, the "arrow" icon G115A is displayed in a light color tone to indicate that it is an unidentified material. The "bow", which is not a viewing user item, and the "string", which has already been identified as a viewing user item, do not need to be sent by the viewing user. On the other hand, the "arrow", which has been determined as a viewing user item and is an unidentified material, does need to be sent by the viewing user. In other words, by visually checking the synthesis material image G112A, the viewing user can distinguish between synthesis materials that need to be sent and synthesis materials that do not need to be sent. Note that the display manner of each synthesis material that enables distinction between whether it is a viewing user item and whether it has already been identified as a viewing user item is not limited to the example described above.

(Example of a screen when the number of viewing user items is specified)
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a compositing event in which the number of compositing materials to be sent as viewing user items is specified. Note that, like FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted from FIG. 17 as well. In FIG. 17, the video playback area G11B includes a compositing material image G112B, which has a display mode different from both the compositing material images G112 and G112A. Differences between the compositing material image G112B and the compositing material image G112 are described below. Other differences are described in the same way as for the compositing material image G112, and therefore will not be repeated in detail.

As shown in FIG. 17, the composite material image G112B shows an example of a display mode when the composite event E3 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. In this composite event E3, it is specified that two or more of the multiple composite materials 1 to 4 should be sent as viewing user items. Therefore, the icons G113B to G116B that make up the composite material image G112B are displayed so that it is possible to distinguish whether or not they have already been identified as viewing user items. The composite material image G112B also includes an image G117B that indicates the remaining number of items to be sent as viewing user items. In this example, the icon G115B representing composite material 3, "arrow," is surrounded by a bold frame, indicating that it has been identified as a viewing user item. The image G117B also includes the text "One more." In other words, at least one of the "bow," "arrow," and "flame" that have not yet been sent as viewing user items must be sent by the viewing user. In this way, by visually viewing the composite material image G112B, the viewing user can distinguish between composite materials that need to be sent and composite materials that do not need to be sent.

(Screen example when multiple synthetic events occur in parallel)
Furthermore, multiple composite events may occur in parallel. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 when multiple composite events occur in parallel. Note that, like FIG. 16, the sending UI area G12 and the communication UI area G13 are omitted from FIG. 18 as well. In FIG. 18, the video playback area G11C includes two composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2. The composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 have display modes different from the composite material images G112, G112A, and G112B, respectively. The differences between the composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 and the composite material image G112 will be described below. Other points will be described in the same way as for the composite material image G112, and therefore will not be repeated in detail.

As shown in Figure 18, the composite material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 show an example of the display mode when the composite events E8 and E9 shown in Figure 4 are occurring. The start condition for both composite events E8 and E9 is "equip a sword." Therefore, composite events E8 and E9 occur simultaneously. The composite material image G112C-1 includes a "sword" icon G113C-1, an "ice" icon G114C-1, a "snake" icon G115C-1, and a "salt" icon G116C-1, which correspond to composite materials 1 to 4 defined in composite event E8. Of these, the "ice" icon G114C-1 and the "salt" icon G116C-1 are displayed in a light color tone, indicating that they are not owned by the game player. Additionally, the synthesis material image G112C-2 includes a "sword" icon G113C-2, a "gold stone" icon G114C-2, a "silver stone" icon G115C-2, and a "moon stone" icon G116C-2, which correspond to synthesis materials 1 to 4 determined in synthesis event E9. Of these, the "silver stone" icon G115C-2 and the "moon stone" icon G116C-2 are displayed in a light color tone, indicating that they are not owned by the game player.

Furthermore, the synthesis material images G112C-1 and G112C-2 are displayed in a manner that allows the generated items that will be generated when the synthesis conditions are met to be distinguished. Specifically, the synthesis material image G112C-1 includes the icon G117C-1 for the generated item "Devil's Sword." Furthermore, the synthesis material image G112C-2 includes the icon G117C-2 for the generated item "Wind Sword." This allows the viewing user to visually compare the synthesis materials and generated items that need to be sent for each of the multiple synthesis events occurring in parallel. Note that the display manner of the synthesis material images for each of the multiple synthesis events occurring in parallel is not limited to the example described above.

The number of items that can be generated from multiple synthesis events occurring simultaneously may be unlimited, or the maximum number may be set. For example, if two synthesis events E8 and E9 are occurring simultaneously, the maximum number that can be generated is set to 1. In this case, when the synthesis conditions of one of synthesis events E8 or E9 are met and a generated item is generated, both synthesis events will end. Alternatively, suppose three or more synthesis events are occurring in parallel, and the maximum number that can be generated is set to 2. In this case, generation items are generated in the order of the synthesis events that satisfy the synthesis conditions, and that synthesis event will end. When the number of generated items reaches the maximum number of 2, all remaining synthesis events whose synthesis conditions have not yet been met will end.

Next, we will explain the case where multiple simultaneous synthesis events contain a common synthesis material. The common synthesis material may be used in one of the synthesis events that can satisfy the synthesis conditions, but not in the other synthesis event. For example, synthesis events E8 and E9 contain the common synthesis material "sword." Assume that the game player possesses only one copy of the common synthesis material "sword." In the example of Figure 8, assume that the "silver stone" and "moon stone," which the game player does not possess in synthesis event E9, are sent by a viewing user before the "ice" and "salt," which the game player does not possess in synthesis event E8. In this case, the only common synthesis material "sword" possessed by the game player is used to satisfy the synthesis conditions of synthesis event E9 and cannot be used to satisfy the synthesis conditions of synthesis event E8. If the number of items that can be generated is not limited, the "wind sword" generated for synthesis event E9 is generated and synthesis event E8 ends, but synthesis event E9 continues. However, the game player no longer possesses the synthesis material "sword." Therefore, in order to fulfill the synthesis conditions for synthesis event E9, the synthesis materials that must be sent as viewing user items are "ice" and "salt," which the game player does not originally own, as well as the "sword" that the game player no longer owns due to its use in synthesis event E8.

Furthermore, if multiple composite events occur simultaneously, the game player may be able to select which composite event to activate. For example, in the example of Figure 18, when the game player selects composite material image G112C-1 corresponding to composite event E8, composite event E9 corresponding to composite material image G112C-2, which was not selected, ends. This increases the likelihood that the game content sent by the viewing user will be used effectively.

(Screen example when specifying the delivery order)
FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in response to a compositing event in which the order of compositing materials to be sent as viewing user items is specified. Note that, like FIG. 16, the delivery UI area G12 and communication UI area G13 are omitted from FIG. 19 as well. In FIG. 19, the video playback area G11D includes a composite material image G112D, which has a display mode different from any of the composite material images G112, G112A, G112B, G113C-1, and G113C-2. The differences between the composite material image G112D and the composite material image G112 are described below. Other points are described in the same way as for the composite material image G112, and therefore, the details will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 19, the synthesis material image G112D shows an example of a display mode when the synthesis event E17 shown in FIG. 4 is occurring. Synthesis event E17 specifies that multiple synthesis materials 1, 2, 3, and 4 should be sent as viewing user items in this order. The synthesis material image G112D is displayed in a manner that allows the viewing user to distinguish the synthesis material that should be sent next. In the example of FIG. 19, synthesis material 1 "bow," which should be sent first, has already been identified. Therefore, the icon G115D for synthesis material 2 "string" is surrounded by a thick frame, indicating that it should be sent next. Furthermore, the "arrows" and "gold stones," which should be sent after the "string," are not disclosed, and only the icons G115D and G116D corresponding to their quantities are displayed. In other words, synthesis materials that should not be sent next, even if they are unidentified materials, are not disclosed. This allows the viewing user to always be aware of the next synthesis material that should be sent during the synthesis event.

As a specific example, suppose the viewing user does not own synthesis material 1 "bow" or synthesis material 2 "string," but does own the game medium "arrow." At the stage illustrated in Figure 19, it is not disclosed which synthesis material will be needed next after synthesis material 2, which has not yet been identified, but the viewing user can hope that synthesis material 3 "?" or synthesis material 4 "?" may be an "arrow." Therefore, the viewing user needs to constantly be aware of and wait for the moment when synthesis material 2 will be identified and an "arrow" will be needed. Therefore, the viewing user is less likely to feel that participating in the synthesis event is monotonous.

(Detailed flow of selection process)
FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing the detailed flow of the selection process in step S302 of FIG. 13. This selection process is executed by referring to the distribution video management table, the occurring event management table, and the distribution service user information. When the selection process is executed, the distribution video management table stores distribution video information for one or more live broadcasts. Furthermore, the occurring event management table stores one or more occurring event management information. As shown in FIG. 20, the selection process S302 includes step S580, steps S380 to S384, and S780 to S784.

In step S580, the distribution UI unit 514 of the game terminal 50 accepts a viewing request instruction from the game player to the user of a specific viewing terminal 70. The distribution UI unit 514 transmits information indicating the viewing request to the distribution server 30. For example, the game player issues a viewing request instruction with the aim of receiving support from the user of the specific viewing terminal 70 in a combined event that may occur while playing a game. The viewing request instruction may be accepted before the combined event occurs (for example, in response to the start of live distribution) or may be accepted while the combined event is occurring.

In step S380, the viewing request instruction receiving unit 315 receives information indicating a viewing request from the game terminal 50. The information indicating the viewing request includes at least one of the game user ID and distribution service user ID of the game player who has requested the viewing. The information indicating the viewing request also includes the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 to which the viewing request is being made. Steps S580 and S380 are examples of viewing request instruction receiving steps.

In step S382, the video identification screen display control unit 313 of the distribution server 30 generates a video identification screen and transmits it to the viewing terminal 70. Here, the video identification screen is a screen including a video identification operator and composite event information for each of one or more videos being live-streamed. Furthermore, the video identification screen includes information indicating a viewing request for a video for which a viewing request has been accepted from the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the video identification screen is displayed. For example, the video identification screen display control unit 313 references the distribution video management table to identify one or more videos being live-streamed and generates a video identification operator corresponding to each identified video. Furthermore, for example, the video identification screen display control unit 313 references the occurring event management table to identify composite events occurring in the game indicated by each video being live-streamed and generates composite event information related to the composite events. The composite event information may include some or all of the information indicating the composite materials, viewing user items, achievement status, remaining time, and unidentified materials. The combined event information may also include information indicating combined materials (an example of game media owned by the viewing terminal user) owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 among the viewing user items in the combined event. Note that when combined event information includes combined materials owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, the information indicating the owned combined materials is obtained by further referencing the distribution service user information.

In step S780, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the video identification screen received from the distribution server 30. In addition, in step S782, the viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to set sorting conditions or filter conditions for video controls included in the video identification screen. In addition, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits information indicating the sorting conditions or filter conditions to the distribution server 30.

Step S384 is an example of a priority display control step. In step S384, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to prioritize display of some video identification controls based on the sorting conditions or filter indicated by the received information. The video identification screen display control unit 313 updates the video identification screen in accordance with the instruction. The video identification screen display control unit 313 also transmits the updated video identification screen to the viewing terminal 70.

For example, when sorting conditions are received, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to rearrange the video operators based on the sorting conditions. In this case, video operators that are ranked higher based on the sorting conditions will be displayed with priority. For example, if the number of videos being live streamed is greater than the number of video identification operators that can be placed on the video identification screen, the number of video operators that can be placed highest based on the sorting conditions will be displayed with priority. Furthermore, when filter conditions are received, the priority display control unit 314 instructs the video identification screen display control unit 313 to include video operators that match the filter conditions. In this case, video operators that match the filter conditions will be displayed with priority.

In step S784, the viewing UI unit 712 of the viewing terminal 70 displays the updated video identification screen that has been received. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video from the video operators that are displayed with priority based on the set sorting or filtering conditions. The viewing UI unit 712 accepts an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on any of the video identification operators included in the video identification screen. This operation indicates an operation to select a video corresponding to the video identification operator. The viewing UI unit 712 transmits information indicating the selected video to the distribution server 30.

(Example of a video identification screen)
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a video identification screen (screen example G2) displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S780. As shown in FIG. 21, screen example G2 includes video identification operators G21-1 and G22-1 corresponding to the first video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-1. Screen example G2 also includes video identification operators G21-2 and G22-2 corresponding to the second video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-2. Screen example G3 also includes video identification operators G21-3 and G22-3 corresponding to the third video being live-streamed, and combined event information G23-3. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the video identification operators G21-1 to G21-3, they are also referred to as video identification operators G21. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the video identification operators G22-1 to G22-3, they are also referred to as video identification operators G22. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the combined event information G23-1 to G23-3, they are also referred to as combined event information G23. Note that video operators corresponding to videos other than the three videos being live-streamed are displayed by operating the scroll bar included in the example screen G2.

The video specification operators G21 and G22 each accept an operation by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video. For example, the operation to select a video may be, but is not limited to, a tap operation or a click operation on the display area of the video specification operators G21 and G22. When an operation on the video specification operators G21 and G22 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits information to the distribution server 30 indicating that the video corresponding to the video specification operator for which the operation was accepted has been selected.

The display area of the video identification operator G21 includes a thumbnail image of the corresponding video. The thumbnail image may be a still image or a video. If the thumbnail image is a video, the thumbnail image may be a portion of the video being live streamed (for example, a predetermined period such as the first few seconds or the most recent few seconds). In this case, the thumbnail image may be played in a loop.

The display area of the video identification operator G22 includes the name of the game being played, the username of the game player who is the distributor, and composite event information G23. The name of the game being played is obtained by referencing the game ID included in the distribution video management information for the corresponding video and the game service information for that game ID. The game player's username is obtained by referencing the game player's distribution service user ID included in the distribution video management information for the corresponding video and the distribution service user information for that distribution service user ID.

The synthesis event information G23-1 indicates information about the synthesis event occurring in the game indicated by the first video, and includes information indicating synthesis materials, viewing user items, and unspecified materials. The information indicating the synthesis materials is represented by icons for each synthesis material, indicating that the synthesis materials specified for the synthesis event are a "bow," a "string," and an "arrow." Information indicating the viewing user items is represented by a bold frame surrounding the icons indicating the synthesis materials, indicating that the "string" and "arrow" synthesis materials must be sent by the viewing user. Information indicating unspecified materials is represented by a light-colored icon indicating the viewing user item, indicating that the "arrow" viewing user item has not yet been sent. In other words, the completion status of the synthesis event is displayed, indicating that the "string" viewing user item has already been acquired, but the "arrow" has not yet been acquired. The information indicating the synthesis materials, viewing user items, and unspecified materials is obtained by referencing the distribution ID included in the video distribution management information for the first video, and the synthesis conditions of the occurring event management information including that distribution ID.

The combined event information G23-1 also includes information indicating the game media owned by the viewing terminal user. The information indicating the game media owned by the viewing terminal user is represented by the text "owned," indicating that the "arrow" with the information "owned" attached is owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which this screen example G2 is being displayed. The information indicating the game media owned by the viewing terminal user is obtained by referencing the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70. In other words, by viewing the combined event information G23-1, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that by watching this video, they can support the game player in the currently occurring event.

The combined event information G23-2 includes the text "No combined material." This indicates that there are no combined events currently occurring in the game represented by the second video. The absence of currently occurring combined events is identified by the fact that occurring event management information, including the distribution ID of the video, is not stored in the occurring event management table. In other words, by visually checking the combined event information G23-2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that no combined events that can assist the game player have occurred at this time, even if they watch this video.

The combined event information G23-3 includes information indicating the combined materials. The information indicating the combined materials is explained in the same way as for the combined event information G23-1. Furthermore, because no viewing user items are specifically specified for the combined event, the combined event information G23-3 does not include information indicating the viewing user items. Furthermore, because none of the combined materials for the combined event are owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70, the combined event information G23-3 does not include information indicating the game media owned by the viewing terminal user. In other words, by viewing the combined event information G23-3, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize that they will not be able to support the game player in the currently occurring event if they watch this video.

In this way, by including the combined event information G23 in the example screen G2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can select one of the videos after checking in advance which currently live-streamed video they can select and how they can support the game player. Note that the combined event information G23 is not limited to the example shown, and may also include information related to other combined events. For example, the combined event information G23 may include the number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has supported the game player who is the distributor of the video in question, the number of times the user has viewed the game player's live stream in the past, etc.

Screen example G2 also includes friend information G24-2 corresponding to the second video. Friend information G24-2 indicates that game player "YYY," the distributor of the video, is in a friend relationship with the user of the viewing terminal 70. A friend relationship may be established between a user and another user within a distribution service (or game service) when the other user approves a request for relationship establishment made by the user to the other user. In this embodiment, friend relationships are managed in the distribution service user information of the distribution server 30. For example, friend information G24-2 is displayed on screen example G2 when it is determined that the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the game player are in a friend relationship based on the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution service user ID of the game player. Although not shown, screen example G2 may also include favorite information. Favorite information is information indicating that the user of the viewing terminal 70 has registered the game player, who is the distributor of the video, as a favorite. In this embodiment, favorite registrations are managed in the distribution service user information of the distribution server 30. As an example, the favorite information may be displayed on screen example G2 when it is determined that the user of the viewing terminal 70 has registered a game player as a favorite based on the distribution service user ID of the user of the viewing terminal 70 and the distribution service user ID of the game player.

Here, the user of the viewing terminal 70 may wish to support a game player with whom they have a special relationship, such as a friend or favorite. In this way, by including friend information G24-2 or favorite information in screen example G2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can easily select videos distributed by game players with whom they have a special relationship.

In addition, screen example G2 further includes summoning information G25-2 corresponding to the second video. A summons is an example of information indicating a viewing request from a game player to a user of a specific viewing terminal 70. In other words, when a viewing request is made from a game player to a user of a specific viewing terminal 70, the summoning information G25-2 is displayed on the specific video screen viewed by the user of the viewing terminal 70 to which the viewing request is made, and is not displayed on the specific video screen viewed by users of other viewing terminals 70. In the example of Figure 21, the game player distributing the second video is issuing a viewing request to the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which screen example G2 is displayed.

In this way, by including the summoning information G25-2 in the example screen G2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can select the video of the game player who has requested viewing by specifying themselves. This also increases the chances that the game player will receive support from the user of the desired viewing terminal 70.

Screen example G3 also includes remaining time information G26-3 corresponding to the third video. The remaining time information G26-3 indicates the time remaining until the time limit for the composite event corresponding to the third video expires. The remaining time information G26-3 is obtained by referencing the distribution ID included in the distribution video management information corresponding to the video and the occurring event management information including the distribution ID.

In this way, by including remaining time information G26-3 in screen example G2, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can check the remaining time before selecting a video, preventing the composite event from ending immediately after starting to watch the selected video.

(Specific example 1 of condition setting screen)
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a condition setting screen (screen example G3) displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S782. Screen example G3 accepts an operation to set sorting conditions for video identification controls on the video identification screen. As shown in FIG. 22, screen example G3 includes a sort tab G31 and a filter tab G32. Operating the filter tab G32 displays screen example G4, described below. In screen example G3, a selection button G33 accepts an operation to select sorting conditions for rearranging the video identification controls included on the video identification screen. In the example of FIG. 22, sorting conditions displayed include, but are not limited to, "remaining time,""number of currently viewing users,""past viewing count,""userlevel,""number of owned synthesis materials," and "past support count." In the example of FIG. 22, "past viewing count" is selected. Furthermore, a selection button G34 accepts an operation to select "ascending order" or "descending order." In the example of FIG. 22, "descending order" is selected. A decision button G35 accepts an operation to confirm the selection of the selection buttons G33 and G34. When an operation on the decision button G35 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits the selection contents made by the selection buttons G33 and G34 to the distribution server 30 as setting information for the sorting conditions.

When "remaining time" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 references the "remaining time" in the occurring event management table and sorts the distribution IDs in the set ascending or descending order. Note that combined events for which no remaining time is set may be sorted as having the longest remaining time. Also, combined events for which no remaining time is set may be sorted as having the lowest priority in either ascending or descending order. The video identification screen display control unit 313 updates the video identification screen so that the video identification controls corresponding to each distribution ID are displayed with priority in the sorted order of the distribution IDs. "Displayed with priority in order" may mean, but is not limited to, displaying from top to bottom or from left to right. As a result, if a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player in a combined event with little remaining time, they can select such a video by sorting the video controls in ascending order of remaining time. Also, if a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player in a combined event with ample remaining time, they can select such a video by sorting the video controls in descending order of remaining time.

Furthermore, when "Number of current viewing users" is set as the sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 calculates the number of current viewing users for each distribution ID as the current viewing user count by referencing the distribution video management table. The sorting of distribution IDs based on the calculated number of current viewing users and the updating of the video identification screen are as explained for the sorting condition "Remaining time," and therefore will not be explained in detail again. As a result, if a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a video that is popular with many viewing users or to watch support from other viewing users, they can select such a video by sorting the video controls in descending order of the number of current viewing users. Also, if a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a video that has few viewing users and is likely to be of assistance to them, they can select such a video by sorting the video controls in ascending order of the number of current viewing users.

Furthermore, when "past viewing count" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 references the viewing history information of the user of the viewing terminal 70 and calculates, for each game player corresponding to a broadcast ID included in the broadcast video management table, the number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has previously viewed the broadcast of that game player as the past viewing count. The sorting of broadcast IDs based on the calculated past viewing count and the updating of the video identification screen are as explained for the sorting condition "remaining time," so detailed explanations will not be repeated. As a result, if the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player that they frequently watch, they can select such a video by sorting in descending order of past viewing count. Furthermore, if the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player that they have not watched or do not watch often, they can select such a video by sorting in ascending order of past viewing count.

Furthermore, when "user level" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 references "user level" in the distribution video management table. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the user level stored in the distribution video management table is information in which the user levels for each game are converted into a common user level. The sorting of distribution IDs based on the user level and the updating of the video identification screen are as explained for the sorting condition "remaining time," so detailed explanations will not be repeated. As a result, if a user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player with a high (or low) user level, they can select such videos by sorting in descending (or ascending) order of user level.

Furthermore, when "Number of Owned Synthesis Materials" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 references "Unspecified Materials" in the occurring event management table and the ownership information in the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and calculates the number of unspecified materials owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 for each distribution ID as the number of owned synthesis materials. The sorting of distribution IDs based on the number of owned synthesis materials and the updating of the video identification screen are as explained for the sorting condition "Remaining Time," so detailed explanations will not be repeated. As a result, if the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to watch videos that they are likely to be able to support using game media they own, they can select such videos by sorting in descending order of the number of owned synthesis materials. Furthermore, by sorting in ascending order of the number of owned synthesis materials, the user of the viewing terminal 70 can recognize what types of distributions require game media that they do not own.

Furthermore, when "past support count" is set as a sorting condition, the priority display control unit 314 references the viewing history information of the user of the viewing terminal 70, and calculates, for each game player corresponding to a broadcast ID included in the broadcast video management table, the total number of times the user of the viewing terminal 70 has previously sent game media in broadcasts by that game player as the past support count. The sorting of broadcast IDs based on the calculated past support count and the updating of the video identification screen are as explained for the sorting condition "remaining time," so detailed explanations will not be repeated. As a result, if the user of the viewing terminal 70 further supports a game player they frequently support, they can select such videos by sorting in descending order of past support count. Furthermore, if the user of the viewing terminal 70 wants to support a game player they have not supported or have not supported often, they can select such videos by sorting in ascending order of past support count.

In addition, in screen example G3, the sorting conditions are not limited to one, and multiple selections may be possible. Furthermore, when multiple sorting conditions are selected, the priority of the sorting conditions may be set. For example, if "user level" and "remaining time" are selected as sorting conditions and the priority is set in this order, the priority display control unit 314 may sort the delivery IDs based on the user level, and if there are multiple delivery IDs with the same user level, may sort them based on the remaining time.

(Specific example 2 of condition setting screen)
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of a condition setting screen (screen example G4) displayed on the viewing terminal 70 in step S782. Screen example G4 accepts an operation to set filter conditions for video identification controls to be displayed on the video identification screen. As shown in FIG. 23, screen example G4, like screen example G3, includes a sort tab G31 and a filter tab G32. When the sort tab G31 is operated, the aforementioned screen example G3 is displayed. In screen example G4, a select button G41 accepts an operation to select one or more filter conditions for extracting video identification controls included in the video identification screen. In the example of FIG. 23, the filter conditions displayed include, but are not limited to, "Owns synthesis material,""Synthesis event occurring,""Synthesis material specified,""Called,""Friend/Favorite," and "Game specified." In the example of FIG. 23, "Owns synthesis material" and "Friend/Favorite" are selected.

The selection button G42 accepts an operation to select the game media to be targeted by the filter condition "Specify synthesis material." When the selection button G42 is operated, a list of synthesis materials for one or more currently occurring synthesis events may be displayed in a selectable manner. When the selection button G42 is operated, a list of game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal 70 may also be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of Figure 23, the game media "arrow" has been selected as the target of "Specify synthesis material."

The selection button G43 accepts an operation to select a game to be targeted by the filter condition "Game Designation." When the selection button G43 is operated, a list of game types indicated by the video currently being live-streamed may be displayed in a selectable manner. Furthermore, when the selection button G43 is operated, a list of game types stored as game service information on the distribution server 30 may be displayed in a selectable manner. In the example of FIG. 23, "Game A" is selected as the target of "Game Designation."

The selection button G44 also accepts the operation of selecting "AND" or "OR." "AND" indicates a setting to extract video specifying operators that satisfy all of the multiple filter conditions selected with the selection button G41. "OR" indicates a setting to extract video specifying operators that satisfy any of the multiple filter conditions selected with the selection button G41. In the example of Figure 23, "OR" has been selected.

The Confirm button G45 accepts an operation to confirm the selection made with the selection buttons G41 to G44. When an operation on the Confirm button G45 is accepted, the viewing UI unit 712 transmits the selection made with the selection buttons G41 to G44 to the distribution server 30 as filter condition setting information.

When "Owns composite material" is set as a filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 of the distribution server 30 references "Unspecified material" in the occurring event management table and the ownership information in the distribution service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70 to extract, from the distribution IDs of videos currently being live-streamed, those for which the user of the viewing terminal 70 owns the unspecified material. The video identification screen display control unit 313 also updates the video identification screen so that the video identification operator corresponding to the extracted distribution ID is displayed. As a result, the video identification operator corresponding to the extracted distribution ID is displayed preferentially. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select videos that are likely to be able to support game players using game content that they own.

Furthermore, when "composite event occurring" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 extracts the broadcast IDs of videos currently being live streamed that are managed in the occurring event management table. The update of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast IDs is as explained for the filter condition "composite material owned," so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select a video in which a composite event is currently occurring if they want to enjoy participating in a composite event immediately after viewing.

Furthermore, when "Specify composite material" is set as a filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 references the composite conditions in the occurring event management table to extract, from the broadcast IDs of videos currently being live streamed, broadcast IDs that include the specified game content as a composite material. Updating of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast ID is as explained for the filter condition "possess composite material," so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to, for example, select a video that can support the game player using the game content they want to send by specifying the game content they want to send as the target of "Specify composite material."

Furthermore, when "Invited" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 references the viewing request recipients in the distribution video management table to extract, from the distribution IDs of videos currently being live-streamed, the distribution IDs of videos that include the user of the viewing terminal 70 on which the screen example G4 is being displayed as a viewing request recipient. Updating of the video specification screen using the extracted distribution ID is as explained for the filter condition "Owns composite material," so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select the video for which they have received a viewing request.

Furthermore, when "Friends/Favorites" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 extracts the broadcast IDs of broadcasters who have a special relationship with the user of the viewing terminal 70 by referencing the friends and favorites in the broadcast service user information of the user of the viewing terminal 70. Updating the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast IDs is as explained for the filter condition "Owns composite material," so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select videos that are live broadcasted by game players who have a special relationship with them.

Furthermore, when "Game Specification" is set as the filter condition, the priority display control unit 314 references the game service information to extract the broadcast ID of the broadcast video management information that includes the game ID of the specified game from the broadcast IDs of the videos being live-streamed. Updating of the video identification screen using the extracted broadcast ID is as explained for the filter condition "Owns composite material," so a detailed explanation will not be repeated. This allows the user of the viewing terminal 70 to select videos showing the desired type of game.

<Modification 1>
In the above-described embodiment, a second compositing event may be defined in which the generated item of the first compositing event is used as a compositing material. For example, the compositing material "Scimitar" used to generate the generated item "Blue Dragon Scimitar" of compositing event E5 (second compositing event) in FIG. 4 is the generated item of compositing event E4 (first compositing event). Furthermore, for example, a condition may be set that the compositing material "Scimitar" of compositing event E5 must be limited to one generated by compositing event E4. In this case, a "Scimitar" that the game player possesses without using compositing event E4 cannot be used as a compositing material for compositing event E5. In other words, in order to obtain the generated item "Blue Dragon Scimitar" in compositing event E5, which occurs after defeating the final boss in the third attempt, the game player must first obtain the generated item "Scimitar" in compositing event E4, which occurs after defeating the final boss in the first attempt. In this case, it is desirable that the second combination event's creation item, which uses the creation item of the first combination event as a combination material, be more useful than the creation item of the first combination event. For example, in the above example, it is desirable that the "Blue Dragon Scizor Blade" creation item of combination event E5 be able to inflict more damage on the boss than the "Scizor Blade" creation item of combination event E4. This allows the viewing user to support the game player while being aware of the dependency relationships between multiple combination events, and increases the viewing user's sense of participation in not just one combination event but more combination events.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described embodiment, a validity period may be set for one or both of the synthesis material sent as a viewing user item and the generated item granted by a synthesis event. The synthesis material or generated item will disappear after the validity period has expired. The validity period may be, for example, until the progress of the game satisfies a predetermined condition. The period until the progress of the game satisfies a predetermined condition may be, but is not limited to, until the game play ends or until the game scene in which the synthesis event occurred ends. Furthermore, the validity period may be a predetermined period (e.g., one minute, five minutes, one week, etc.) regardless of the progress of the game. Furthermore, the validity period does not necessarily have to be set. For example, a validity period may be set for the synthesis material sent as a viewing user item, but not for the generated item granted by a synthesis event. This increases the motivation of the viewing user to send a viewing user item that increases the likelihood of the synthesis condition being satisfied, so that the synthesis material sent as a viewing user item will not disappear without generating a generated item.

<Modification 3>
In the above-described embodiment, in the occurring event management table illustrated in FIG. 4, the synthesis materials for a synthesis event are described as being predetermined as event definition information. Alternatively, the synthesis materials for a synthesis event may be determined by lottery during game play (e.g., when the synthesis event occurs). This allows the viewing user to watch the video with a sense of tension, since they do not know what synthesis materials will be needed until the lottery results are announced. Note that a single type of game may define both synthesis events for which synthesis materials are predetermined and synthesis events for which synthesis materials are determined by lottery during game play.

<Modification 4>
In the above-described embodiment, in the generated event management table illustrated in FIG. 4 , the generated item in the combined event is described as being predetermined as event definition information. Alternatively, the generated item in the combined event may be determined by lottery when the combination condition is satisfied. In this case, the combined material is determined in advance. This allows the viewing user to watch the video with a sense of tension and anticipation, since they do not know what generated item will be given to the game player until the lottery results are announced. In this case, the combined event may be redone by the game player's operation. For example, if the generated item determined by lottery is not the desired item, the game player can redo the combined event and start over from collecting the combined material.

In addition, in this modified example, a generated item may be drawn from multiple game media having attributes associated with at least some of the attributes of the multiple synthesis materials. For example, if the ratio of synthesis materials having metal attributes among the multiple synthesis materials is equal to or greater than a threshold, a generated item may be drawn from multiple weapon items having metal attributes, such as swords or axes. Furthermore, if the multiple synthesis materials include a synthesis material whose rarity is equal to or greater than a threshold, a generated item may be drawn from multiple weapon items with higher functionality than if no synthesis materials are included.

In addition, in this modified example, a winning probability corresponding to each game medium that makes up the lottery population may be set. Furthermore, the lottery population may be selected based on the game player's operation. For example, if the ratio of synthesis materials with metal attributes among multiple synthesis materials is equal to or greater than a threshold value as described above, the "sword" group or the "axe" group may be selected based on the game player's operation as the population from which a generated item should be drawn.

In one type of game, both synthesis events in which the generated item is determined in advance and synthesis events in which the generated item is determined by lottery when synthesis conditions are met may be defined.

<Modification 5>
In the above-described embodiment, when a combination event occurs, game contents owned by a game player (i.e., game contents indicated by ownership information included in game user information) are described as being applicable as already-owned combination materials. Alternatively, when starting play of a game, game contents to be brought into the game from among the game contents owned by the game player may be identified based on the game player's operation. In this case, when a combination event occurs, game contents brought into the game by the game player can be applied as combination materials. In contrast, when a combination event occurs, game contents owned by the game player but not brought into the game cannot be applied as combination materials. In this case, a limit may be placed on the number of game contents that can be brought into the game (e.g., up to three). This allows the game player to consider which game contents to bring into the game, thereby enhancing the strategic nature of the game.

<Modification 6>
In the above-described embodiment, a generated item is granted to a game player when the synthesis conditions are satisfied (all synthesis materials are identified). Alternatively, the generated item may be granted to a game player when the game player or viewing user performs a synthesis operation after the synthesis conditions are satisfied. For example, if a limit is set on the amount of time that the generated item can be used in the game (e.g., 20 seconds), the timing at which the generated item is granted becomes important. In this case, the game player or viewing user performs the synthesis operation when they wish to start using the generated item. This allows for more effective use of the generated item.

In addition, in this modified example, the performance of the generated item may differ depending on the operator who performed the combining operation. For example, if a game player with a high user level performs the combining operation, or if a viewing user who is friends with the game player performs the combining operation, a generated item with higher performance than usual may be given to the game player.

<Modification 7>
In the above-described embodiment, the game server 10 and the distribution server 30 may share sharable information stored in the storage unit 130 and the storage unit 330. For example, ownership information in the game user information and ownership information in the distribution service user information may be shared by the game server 10 and the distribution server 30. In this case, the game media indicated by the ownership information can be used in playing the game and can be sent as a viewing user item.

To share ownership information, at least one of the game server 10 and the distribution server 30 stores ID linking information linking the game user ID and the distribution service user ID. The game server 10 and the distribution server 30 may also synchronize the ownership information they each own based on the ID linking information. Alternatively, the game server 10 may store the ownership information, while the distribution server 30 may not. In this case, the distribution server 30 may store the ID linking information and obtain the ownership information from the game server 10 by referencing the ID linking information.

[Note]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: It should be noted that, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are conveniently placed in parentheses, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated embodiments.

The system (1) according to aspect A1 includes a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process when a condition is met, including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit (311) that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewing user game media identification unit (312) that identifies, based on the viewing user's operation, at least some of the game media owned by the viewing user who is viewing the video, as at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination. The condition includes the game media that at least some of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination are identified by the viewing user game media identification unit (312). This configuration provides a new system that allows users of viewing terminals (70) to participate in live-streamed games. This system requires, for example, the viewing user to consider which game media to send to form the predetermined combination. This increases the sense of participation in the game compared to technology that simply sends game content to game players.

In the system (1) of aspect A2, in aspect A1, the predetermined processing is processing associated with the predetermined combination. With this configuration, in a combination event, game players and viewing users can enjoy processing according to the predetermined combination.

In the system (1) of aspect A3, in aspect A1 or A2, the predetermined process is a process of granting predetermined game content associated with the combination to a game player who is progressing through the game. This configuration allows viewing users to contribute to the game player's acquisition of the predetermined game content.

The system (1) according to aspect A4, in any one of aspects A1 to A3, further includes a combination image display control unit (112) that displays an image indicating the game media that make up the predetermined combination on the viewing terminal (70) that views the video distributed by the distribution control unit (111), and the combination image display control unit (112) displays, among the game media required for the predetermined combination, game media that need to be identified by the viewing user game media identification unit (312) in a distinguishable manner from game media that do not. This configuration allows the viewing user to easily recognize which game media the viewing user needs to identify in order to fulfill the conditions.

Aspect A5 of the system (1) is any one of aspects A1 to A4, wherein the condition includes that the game media constituting the predetermined combination include a predetermined number or more of game media identified by the viewer user game media identification unit (312). This configuration allows the viewer user to easily recognize the number of game media that the viewer user needs to identify in order to satisfy the condition.

Aspect A6 of the system (1) is any one of aspects A1 to A5, wherein the condition includes an upper limit on the number of game media identified by a single viewing user for the game media identified by the viewing user game media identification unit (312). This configuration requires the support of more viewing users, and prevents viewing users from feeling that participating in the event is monotonous.

In the system (1) according to aspect A7, in any one of aspects A1 to A4, the condition includes that the game contents constituting the predetermined combination are identified in a predetermined order. With this configuration, viewing users need to be constantly aware of what they will need, which prevents viewing users from feeling that participating in the event is monotonous.

A system (1) according to aspect A8 is any one of aspects A1 to A6, in which the predetermined process is to identify game media by lottery and grant the game media to the game player who is progressing through the game. With this configuration, even if the conditions are met, it is not known which game media will be granted to the player who is progressing through the game, creating a sense of tension and anticipation among viewing users.

A method (S1) according to aspect A9 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes: a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game, which includes the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewer user game media identification step (S310) for identifying, based on the operation of the viewing user, at least some of the game media owned by the viewing user who is watching the video, as at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination, wherein the condition includes the game media that constitute the predetermined combination being at least some of the game media identified in the viewer user game media identification step. This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect A1.

The program according to aspect A10 causes one or more computers to execute a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewer user game media identification step (S310) for identifying, based on the operation of the viewing user, at least some of the game media owned by the viewing user who is using the viewing terminal (70) and watching the video, as at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination, wherein the condition includes that at least some of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination are the game media identified in the viewer user game media identification step (S310). This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect A1.

The system (1) according to aspect B1 comprises a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to the satisfaction of conditions including the identification of at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit (311) that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewing user game media identification unit (312) that identifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on the operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video; and the game control unit (111) starts the combination event in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. This configuration provides a new system that allows users of the viewing terminal (70) to participate in a live-streamed game.

In the system (1) according to aspect B2, in aspect B1, the start condition includes a progress status indicating the progress of the game reaching a predetermined progress status. With this configuration, the support provided to the broadcasting user varies depending on the progress of the game, thereby motivating viewing users to continue watching the live game broadcast.

In the system (1) according to aspect B3, in aspect B1 or B2, the start condition includes a condition in which the play result of an operation received from the game player to progress the game results in a predetermined play result. This configuration allows the skill and knowledge of the game player to affect the execution of the combination event.

In the system (1) according to aspect B4, in any one of aspects B1 to B3, the start condition includes that the setting information indicating at least one of the content of user information related to the game player and the content of information associated by the game player with the game content is predetermined. With this configuration, the game player can adjust whether or not to execute a combination event based on their own user information.

In the system (1) according to aspect B5, in any one of aspects B1 to B4, the start condition includes the video viewing situation becoming a predetermined viewing situation. This configuration allows the viewing user to feel more strongly that they are participating in the game.

In the system (1) according to aspect B6, in any one of aspects B1 to B5, the start condition includes that at least one of the time and the duration is a predetermined time or duration. With this configuration, the number of viewing users is likely to increase at the time or duration when the combined event is being executed.

A method (S1) according to aspect B7 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewing user game media identification step (S310) for identifying at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on the operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and watches the video. In the game control step (S100), the combination event is started in response to satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect B1.

The program according to aspect B8 causes one or more computers to execute a game control step (S100) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to the satisfaction of a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; and a viewing user game media identification step (S310) that identifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on the operation of a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and is viewing the video. In the game control step (S100), the program causes the one or more computers to start the combination event in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined start condition during the progress of the game. This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect B1.

The system (1) according to aspect C1 includes a game control unit (111) that controls the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to fulfilling a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control unit (311) that live-streams a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification unit (312) that identifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and is viewing the video; a video identification operator that accepts an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70); and a video identification screen display control unit (313) that causes the viewing terminal (70) to display a video identification screen that includes combination event information related to the combination event in the game that corresponds to the video. This configuration makes it possible to provide a user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to view with information that can serve as new information for selecting a live-streamed video.

In the system (1) according to aspect C2, in aspect C1, the combination event information includes progress status information indicating the progress status of the combination event, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the progress status information on the video identification screen. With this configuration, the progress status of the combination event can be provided as information for making a decision to a user of a viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch.

In the system (1) according to aspect C3, in aspect C2, the progress status information includes achievement status information indicating the achievement status of the condition, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the achievement status information on the video identification screen. With this configuration, the achievement status of the combined event can be provided to the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch as information for making a decision.

In the system (1) according to aspect C4, in any one of aspects C1 to C3, the combination event information includes information indicating at least some of the game media required for the specified combination, and the video specific screen display control unit (313) displays the information indicating at least some of the game media. With this configuration, the game media required for the combination in the combination event can be provided to the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch as information for making a decision.

In the system (1) of aspect C5, in aspect C3, the achievement status information includes information indicating unspecified game media among the game media required for the predetermined combination that have not been specified by either the game player progressing through the game or the viewing user, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the information indicating the unspecified game media and information indicating game media other than the unspecified game media among the game media required for the predetermined combination in a distinguishable manner. With this configuration, the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch can be provided with game media that have not yet been specified in a combination event as information for making a decision.

In the system (1) of aspect C6, in aspect C4 or C5, the combination event information includes information indicating viewing terminal user-owned game media owned by the user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video identification screen is displayed, among the game media required for the specified combination, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) distinguishably displays the information indicating the game media from information indicating game media other than the viewing terminal user-owned game media among the game media required for the specified combination. With the above configuration, the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch can confirm, before selecting a video to watch, which video to select in order to receive support based on the game media owned by the user.

In the system (1) according to aspect C7, in any one of aspects C1 to C6, the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays information indicating the number of times a user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video identification screen is displayed has identified the game media constituting the predetermined combination in the combination event previously executed by the game player playing the game corresponding to the video, which combination event the game control unit (111) has executed. According to the above configuration, the user of the viewing terminal (70) searching for a video to watch can be provided with information on which game player support has been provided in the past and how many times it has been provided to that game player in the combination event, as information for selecting a video.

The system (1) according to aspect C8, in any one of aspects C1 to C7, further includes a priority display control unit (314) that instructs the video identification screen display control unit (313) to prioritize displaying at least some of the video identification operators from among multiple video identification operators on the video identification screen in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video identification screen is displayed. When the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying the video identification operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit (314) instructs the video identification screen display control unit (313) to prioritize displaying the video identification operator, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) displays the video identification operator on the viewing terminal (70) in response to the instruction. This configuration improves the convenience of the viewing video identification UI.

The system (1) according to aspect C9 further includes a priority display control unit (314) that instructs the video identification screen display control unit (313) to prioritize displaying at least some of the video identification operators from among the multiple video identification operators on the video identification screen in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal (70) on which the video identification screen is displayed. When the operation is an operation to prioritize displaying, from among the games corresponding to the multiple video identification operators, a game in which the combination event required for a specified game content to satisfy the condition is currently being played, the priority display control unit (314) instructs the video identification screen display control unit (313) to prioritize displaying the video identification operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is currently being played, and the video identification screen display control unit (313) prioritizes displaying the video identification operator on the viewing terminal (70) in response to the instruction. This configuration makes it easier to select a video to watch based on the game content required for the combination event.

The system (1) according to aspect C10, in any one of aspects C1 to C9, further comprises a viewing request instruction receiving unit (315) that receives a viewing request instruction from a game player progressing through the game, requesting a user of a specific viewing terminal (70) to watch a video showing the game, and the video specification screen display control unit (315) displays information indicating the viewing request to the user along with a video specification operator corresponding to the video. With the above configuration, the game player can encourage the specific user to watch a video. The user of the viewing terminal (70) can easily find the video that they are requested to watch.

The method (S1) according to aspect C11 is a method executed by one or more computers, and includes: a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game, which includes the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process in response to satisfaction of a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step (S310) for identifying at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and is viewing the video; and a video identification screen display control step (S302) for displaying on the viewing terminal (70) a video identification operator that receives an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70) and a video identification screen that includes combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect C1.

The program according to aspect C12 causes one or more computers to execute the following steps: a game control step (S100) for controlling the progress of a game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to satisfaction of a condition that includes identifying at least some of the game media used in the game to form a predetermined combination; a distribution control step (S304) for live-streaming a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal (70) for viewing the video; a viewing user game media identification step (S310) for identifying at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation by a viewing user who is a user of the viewing terminal (70) and is viewing the video; and a video identification screen display control step (S302) for displaying on the viewing terminal (70) a video identification operator that receives an instruction to identify the video to be played on the viewing terminal (70) and a video identification screen that includes combination event information related to the combination event in the game that corresponds to the video. This configuration achieves the same effects as aspect C1.

[Software implementation example]
The functions of the game server 10, distribution server 30, game terminal 50, and viewing terminal 70 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control units 110, 310, 510, 710).

In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using this control device and storage device.

The above program may be stored non-transitory on one or more computer-readable storage media. These storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, integrated circuits incorporating logic circuits that function as each of the above control blocks are also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI may run on the control device, or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 System 10 Game server 30 Distribution server 50 Game terminal 70 Viewing terminal 11, 31, 51, 71 Processor 12, 32, 52, 72 Memory 13, 33, 53, 73 Communication interface 19, 39, 59, 79 Bus 54, 74 Input device 55, 75 Output device 110, 310, 510, 710 Control unit 130, 330, 530, 730 Storage unit 111, 511 Game control unit 112 Combined image display control unit 311 Distribution control unit 312 Viewing user game medium identification unit 313 Video identification screen display control unit 314 Priority display control unit 315 Viewing request instruction acceptance unit 512 Game UI unit 513 Video transmission unit 514 Distribution UI unit 711 Video playback unit 712 Viewing UI unit

Claims (12)

a game control unit that controls the progress of the game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to a condition being satisfied, the condition including that at least some of the multiple types of game media used in the game are specified to form a predetermined combination;
a distribution control unit that live-distributes a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video;
a viewer user game media identification unit that identifies at least one of the game media that constitute the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewer user who is a user of the viewing terminal and who is viewing the video;
a video specifying operator that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video specifying screen display control unit that causes the viewing terminal to display a video specifying screen including combination event information related to the combination event in the game corresponding to the video;
system. the combination event information includes progress status information indicating a progress status of the combination event;
the video specific screen display control unit causes the progress status information to be displayed on the video specific screen;
The system of claim 1 . the progress status information includes achievement status information indicating the achievement status of the condition,
the video specific screen display control unit displays the achievement status information on the video specific screen;
The system of claim 2 . the combination event information includes information indicating at least a portion of the game contents required for the predetermined combination;
the video specific screen display control unit displays information indicating at least a portion of the game medium;
The system of claim 1 . the achievement status information includes information indicating unspecified game media among the game media required for the predetermined combination that have not been specified by either the game player progressing through the game or the viewing user;
the video specific screen display control unit displays information indicating the unspecified game medium and information indicating game media other than the unspecified game medium among the game media required for the predetermined combination in a distinguishable manner;
The system of claim 3. the combination event information includes information indicating a viewing terminal user-owned game medium that is owned by a user of the viewing terminal on which the specific video image screen is displayed, among the game media required for the predetermined combination;
the video specific screen display control unit displays information indicating the game media and information indicating game media other than the game media owned by the viewing terminal user among the game media required for the predetermined combination in a distinguishable manner;
6. A system according to claim 4 or 5. The video specific screen display control unit
The system described in claim 1, wherein a game player who is playing the game corresponding to the video displays information indicating the number of times that a user of a viewing terminal on which the video identification screen is displayed has identified the game media that make up the specified combination in a combination event that the game control unit has previously executed. a priority display control unit that instructs the video identification screen display control unit to preferentially display at least some of the video identification operators on the video identification screen in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal on which the video identification screen is displayed, from among the plurality of video identification operators;
when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying the animated specific operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is being executed, the priority display control unit instructs the animated specific screen display control unit to preferentially display the animated specific operator;
the video specifying screen display control unit causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display the video specifying operator in response to the instruction;
The system of claim 1 . a priority display control unit that instructs the video identification screen display control unit to preferentially display at least some of the video identification operators on the video identification screen in response to an operation by a user of the viewing terminal on which the video identification screen is displayed, from among the plurality of video identification operators;
when the operation is an operation for preferentially displaying, from among the games corresponding to the plurality of animated image specific operators, a game in which the combination event required for a predetermined game medium to satisfy the condition is currently being executed, the priority display control unit instructs the animated image specific screen display control unit to preferentially display the animated image specific operator corresponding to the game in which the combination event is currently being executed;
the video specifying screen display control unit causes the viewing terminal to preferentially display the video specifying operator in response to the instruction;
The system of claim 1 . a viewing request instruction receiving unit that receives a viewing request instruction from a game player who is progressing through the game to request a user of a specific viewing terminal to view a video showing the game;
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the video specifying screen display control unit displays, to the user, information indicating the viewing request together with a video specifying operator corresponding to the video. 1. A method implemented by one or more computers, comprising:
a game control step of controlling the progress of the game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to a condition being satisfied, the condition including that at least some of the multiple types of game media used in the game are specified to form a predetermined combination;
a distribution control step of live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video;
a viewer user game media identification step of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewer user who is a user of the viewing terminal and watches the video;
A method comprising: a video specification operator that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal; and a video specification screen display control step that causes the viewing terminal to display a video specification screen that includes combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video. On one or more computers,
a game control step of controlling the progress of the game, including the execution of a combination event that executes a predetermined process, in response to a condition being satisfied, the condition including that at least some of the multiple types of game media used in the game are specified to form a predetermined combination;
a distribution control step of live-distributing a video showing the game in progress to a viewing terminal for viewing the video;
a viewer user game media identification step of identifying at least one of the game media constituting the predetermined combination based on an operation of a viewer user who is a user of the viewing terminal and watches the video;
A program that executes a video specification operator that receives an instruction to specify the video to be played on the viewing terminal, and a video specification screen display control step that displays on the viewing terminal a video specification screen that includes combination event information regarding the combination event in the game corresponding to the video.