JP7488483B2 - system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a system.

As shown in Patent Document 1, a game is known in which spectators can bet on the game played by the player. After the game play ends, the spectators are awarded a payout according to the outcome of that play.

International Publication No. 2016/092634

In Patent Document 1, the payout amount to the gallery is determined according to the outcome of the game and a predetermined payout rate. Generally, the payout rate is determined for the convenience of the game operator, but if the value reflects information that is familiar to the gallery, who are the bettors, it can increase their motivation to place bets.

The purpose of this disclosure is to contribute to increasing motivation to participate in betting.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is
a bet acceptance unit that accepts a bet operation by a second user to place a bet on a game play by a first user;
a payout rate determination unit that determines a payout rate corresponding to the game play based on a popularity of the first user;
and a payout awarding unit that awards a payout to the second user for the betting operation on the game play based on the result of the game play and the payout rate.

In addition, in the first aspect,
The popularity used in determining the payout rate is information set based on a trajectory of the first user's actions up to the present.
be able to.

In addition, in the first aspect,
The payout rate determination section can further determine the payout rate based on a betting situation according to the betting operation.

In addition, in the first aspect,
a medium creation unit that creates a medium that can be used in playing the game based on a creation operation by a third user;
The device may further include:

In addition, in the first aspect,
a medium selection unit that selects the medium to be used in playing the game based on an operation of the first user;
The device may further include:

In addition, in the first aspect,
a friend registration unit capable of performing a process of registering the third user as a friend of the first user by associating identification information of the third user with identification information of the first user;
Further comprising:
The selection candidates by the medium selection unit may include the medium to be used that has been created by the third user who is registered as a friend.

In addition, in the first aspect,
a supporter registration unit that registers the second user as a supporter who supports at least one of the first user and the third user by associating at least one of the identification information of the first user and the identification information of the third user with the identification information of the second user, and manages support information of the support provided by the supporter to the first user and the third user, for each of the first user and the third user;
The game device may further include a reward granting unit that grants a play reward related to the game play to at least one of the first user and the third user in accordance with the support information.

In addition, in the first aspect,
There are a plurality of supporters,
A classification unit that classifies each of the identification information of the plurality of supporters according to the support information;
Further comprising:
The reward granting unit may grant the support reward to the supporter based on the classification result and an evaluation value based on the performance of each of the first user and the third user, who are the targets of support from the supporter, in relation to the game play.

In addition, in the first aspect,
a reward granting unit that grants a play reward related to the game play to at least one of the first user and the third user in response to the support information;
Further comprising:
The reward granting unit can determine the play reward based on at least one of the result of the game play, the betting status in response to the betting operation, the popularity of the first user, and the popularity of the third user.

In addition, in the first aspect,
a popularity calculation unit that calculates the popularity of the third user based on at least one of a result of a predetermined play, which is the game play performed using the utilization medium created by the third user, a betting status placed on the first user in the predetermined play, the number of supporters supporting the third user, and the number of supporters received by the third user;
The device may further include:

In addition, in the first aspect,
a bet target determination unit that determines the game play involving at least one of the first user and the third user who are supported by the supporter as a bet target candidate by the supporter;
Further comprising:
The betting target candidates include a plurality of the game plays,
the bet acceptance unit accepts the bet operation on a predetermined game play among the bet target candidates;
be able to.

In addition, in the first aspect,
a popularity calculation unit that calculates the popularity of the first user based on at least one of a result of the game play in which the first user is involved, a betting situation on the first user, a number of supporters supporting the first user, and a number of supporters received by the first user;
The device may further include:

The payout rate is determined based on the popularity of the player, which increases the willingness of spectators to place bets and increase interest in the game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a dividend distribution system. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an entire dividend distribution system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a server device. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a user DB. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a game terminal. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a bed terminal. 13 is an example of a screen displaying a list of information regarding scheduled gameplay. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a builder terminal. 13 is an example of an editing screen displayed when creating a character. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dividend distribution system. 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dividend distribution system.

The dividend distribution system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Outline of dividend distribution system 1>
1, the dividend distribution system 1 is a system in which a first user acts as a player and plays a game, while a second user acts as a gallery and bets game media on the game. Furthermore, a third user acts as a builder and can create and develop game media that can be used in the game from scratch.

In the following, the action of a builder creating or developing a game medium from scratch will be collectively referred to as "creation."

In this embodiment, the game to be played is an example of a fighting action game in which a player character operated by a player fights against other player characters or non-player characters in a game space. The player selects one character from multiple characters as the player character, and controls that player character to have a one-on-one fighting match against the other player character or non-player character who is the opponent. That is, in this embodiment, the example of the fighting action game is a fighting game.

One game play (one match) consists of multiple matches and ends when the first character to win three matches has been determined. In each match, when the vitality value of any character reaches zero, the character whose vitality value reaches zero "loses," and the character whose vitality value is not zero "wins." Therefore, at the end of a match, the player who controlled the winning character is the "winner," and the player who controlled the losing character is the "loser."

The "gaming medium" that galleries use to bet on game play may be virtual in-game currency that can be used in the fighting game, non-valuable securities such as medals, cash currency such as paper money, virtual currency including privately made currency such as tokens, electronic money, etc. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the gaming medium is in-game currency.

The game medium may be something that can be used in common across a variety of games. Therefore, the use of the game medium is not limited to within this system 1, and may be common across other game systems. Furthermore, the game medium may be used for purposes other than betting within this system 1. For example, when a spectator becomes a player and plays a game, the game medium may be used to enable the player character to perform a new technique, or the game medium may be used to temporarily increase the parameters of the player character to give the player an advantage in the match. Furthermore, the spectator may use the game medium to bet on multiple game plays.

The "game media" that the builder creates include "player characters" that move within the game space according to the player's operations, "non-player characters" when the player character's opponent is a non-player character, weapons, armor, and costumes equipped by these characters, and objects that appear in the gameplay, such as the match ring and vehicles.

In this embodiment, the builder creates (specifically creates and/or trains from scratch) "player characters" and "non-player characters" as game media that may be used in game play that is the subject of a bet. By watching the characters that the builder created being used in a match, the builder can get a sense that he or she is intervening in the game, which deepens the builder's interest in the game.

The gallery members who bet on the game play will be awarded a payout based on the outcome of that play. The payout is awarded to the gallery members in the form of game media according to the payout multiplier corresponding to the game play.

The outcome of a game may depend not only on the player's gaming technique, but also on the character created by the builder, the psychological pressure placed on the player by the betting situation of the gallery, and so on. Therefore, the actions of each participant in the game, including the player, gallery, and builder, can be a catalyst for making the game more exciting.

In particular, the payout rate in this embodiment is determined based on the popularity of the player who plays the game. A player's popularity rises and falls depending on various factors, such as the results of numerous games played in the past, including various game tournaments, a playing style that leaves a good impression on viewers of the game play, the player's past comments and actions, whether related to the game or not, and the player's appearance. Therefore, a player's popularity may fluctuate over time. As the player's popularity affects the payout rate, some galleries may become interested in the player, for example by observing the player on a daily basis to see what kind of person he is. This interest will also encourage betting operations on future game plays, which is expected to further increase the excitement of the game.

The payout rate is initially determined based on the popularity, but may be adjusted based on the actual betting situation, for example to reduce bias in the actual bets. This actual betting situation (such as the number of bets placed) does not necessarily represent the popularity of the game.

Such a system 1 can be used in e-sports (Electronics Sports) tournaments in which computer games are played as competitions. This encourages participation not only as e-sports players, but also in other roles such as galleries and builders.

<Configuration of dividend distribution system 1>
2, the dividend distribution system 1 includes one server device 2, a plurality of game terminals 4, a plurality of betting terminals 6, and a plurality of builder terminals 8. The server device 2 and the terminals 4, 6, 8 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN.

The server device 2 is a device managed by the operator of this system 1, and performs overall management and control of each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8. The server device 2 stores game programs and game data, and provides game programs and manages game data (for each account information described below) of the game terminals 4. The server device 2 also matches matches, keeps track of betting status, manages payout rates, awards rewards to players and builders, and awards payouts to galleries.

Note that the awarding of rewards to players and builders, and dividends to galleries means that rewards and dividends are awarded to individuals by performing an association process that associates the rewards and dividends with identification information that identifies each individual.

The game terminal 4 is a terminal used by a player. The game terminal 4 may be a home game console such as PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable game console such as Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), or an electronic device such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet. The game terminal 4 may be installed in an amusement facility such as a game center or an e-sports facility. The game terminal 4 receives game programs and game data from the server device 2 via the communication network NW. The game terminal 4 also displays matching results, accepts operations by the player regarding game play, displays rewards granted to the player, and so on.

The betting terminal 6 is a terminal used by galleries. The betting terminal 6 is an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. The betting terminal 6 can be installed in amusement facilities such as game centers, casinos, and e-sports facilities, as well as in homes. The betting terminal 6 displays payout odds, accepts betting operations by galleries, and displays payouts awarded to galleries.

The builder terminal 8 is a terminal used by the builder. The builder terminal 8 is an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. Like the betting terminal 6, the builder terminal 8 can be installed in amusement facilities such as game centers, casinos, and e-sports facilities, as well as at home. The builder terminal 8 accepts operations for creating game media, displays rewards granted to the builder, etc.

The game terminals 4, betting terminals 6, and builder terminals 8 can be installed in different locations. For example, a player can play a game through a game terminal 4 at an e-sports facility and receive rewards according to the payouts from that play. Meanwhile, a spectator can place a bet through a betting terminal 6 at a casino. In this way, entertainment that takes place in separate facilities that at first glance seem to have no relation to one another, namely a "game facility" and a "casino," becomes interrelated, and as a result, each of these activities can be stimulated.

Each user who participates in the game as a gallery user, builder user, or player user is assigned account information in advance, including identification information and a password, in association with the terminal 4, 6, or 8 that the user operates. This account information is transmitted from each terminal 4, 6, or 8 to the server device 2 upon login, and is used for user authentication on the server device 2.

After user authentication, the terminals 4, 6, and 8 that have been authenticated can communicate with the server device 2. After logging in, each terminal 4, 6, and 8 receives data necessary to perform the various processes described above from the server device 2, and outputs various screens and sounds to the display and speaker as appropriate based on the user's operations. This allows each terminal 4, 6, and 8 to perform processing according to the role that each terminal 4, 6, and 8 has.

<Hardware Configuration>
Hereinafter, the hardware configurations of the server device 2, the game terminal 4, the betting terminal 6, and the builder terminal 8 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Server device 2>
3, the server device 2 includes a network interface 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The network interface 21 and the storage unit 22 are electrically connected to the control unit 23 via a bus 29.

The network interface 21 is communicatively connected to each terminal 4, 6, and 8 via the communication network NW.

The memory unit 22 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a solid state drive (SSD). In addition to various programs, the memory unit 22 also stores a user DB 22a, data related to payout rates, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user DB 22a stores, as one record, the name of the user participating in the game, the identification number, the amount of in-game currency held, the results of game play so far, popularity, information about the characters used in game play so far, the results of betting so far, information about characters created, the names of users registered as friends, the names of users registered as supporters, etc.

The amount of in-game currency held is information indicating the amount of in-game currency that a user can use. The amount of in-game currency held increases as a reward for playing a game as a player, as a dividend for a bet placed on game play as a gallery, as a reward for creating a character as a builder and using that character in game play, as a reward for the use of that character, as a patron, or as a reward for supporting other users by investing in them. Conversely, the amount of in-game currency held is deducted by the entry fee when entering a game play as a player, the amount of the bet placed when placing a bet as a gallery, or the investment amount when supporting other users by investing in them as a patron. Thus, the amount of in-game currency held changes over time as a user participates in the game.

Information related to past win/loss results in game play, popularity, and characters used is information relevant when the user of the record participates as a player. Win/loss results include the total number of wins and losses out of the total number of plays. When playing a game as a player, the total number of plays for that user is incremented, as well as the total number of wins or losses. As already explained, popularity is information that numerically represents how much attention the user is currently receiving and how well others think of them. Win/loss results and popularity are used when determining payout rates.

Information about characters used includes parameters such as the character's name, the character's level, the names of techniques that can be performed, and the number of times each character has been used. If multiple characters have been used, information about the characters used will include information about each character. Also, when the same character is used multiple times, the character's parameters may differ each time it is used. This is because the builder may develop (improve) the character before and after use. In that case, information about characters used will include the parameters each time it was used as a history.

The winning/losing results of bets made so far are information relevant when the user of the corresponding record participates as a gallery. The winning/losing results include the total number of bets made so far, as well as the number of wins and losses. When the corresponding user makes a bet as a gallery, the total number of bets is incremented, and the number of wins or losses is incremented.

Information about created characters is relevant when the user of the record participates as a builder. Information about created characters includes the character name, parameters such as level and skill name, creation date and time, and the date and time the parameters were updated (development date and time). If the user of the record has created multiple characters as a builder (including characters in the process of development), information about created characters includes information about each individual character. If the same character is developed in stages over multiple times, the parameters and update date and time each time it is developed are included as history.

The user name registered as a friend is information used to identify other users who are friends with the user of the corresponding record. For example, suppose there is a user participating as a player, while another user has participated as a builder. When a player makes a friend registration request to a builder, the builder's username and other information are written into the player's record in response to that request. This associates the player's identification information with the builder's identification information.

The user name registered as a supporter is information used to identify other users who are in a relationship of support as a patron to the user of the corresponding record. For example, suppose there is a user participating as a gallery, while another user has participated as a builder. When a gallery makes a support application to support a builder, the builder's username and other information are written into the gallery record in response to that application. This associates the gallery's identification information with the builder's identification information.

"Support" can include contributions using in-game currency, investments, loans, donations, sponsorship, etc. Supporting a user means lending a hand to the supported user in the hope that they will achieve even greater success. In some cases, the supporting user may be given a reward in return for this supportive action.

In Figure 4, it can be seen that the user with the user name "U01" is participating in the game only as a player, and the user with the user name "U02" is participating in the game as a gallerist in addition to being a player. It can be seen that the user with the user name "U03" is participating in the game as a gallerist or builder, and the user with the user name "U04" is participating in the game only as a builder.

In this way, each user is not limited to one of the roles of player, gallery, or builder, but can freely select any role at any time to participate in the game. Therefore, users can freely change roles, such as sometimes being a player and sometimes being a gallery. However, for the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that different terminals 4, 6, and 8 are used for each role.

The control unit 23 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the device 2.

Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 23 executes various programs to function as a communication control means 231, a collation means 232, a DB management means 233, a matching means 234, a bet management means 235, a popularity calculation means 236, a payout rate determination means 237, a payout awarding means 238, and a reward awarding means 239.

-Communication control means-
The communication control means 231 controls the transmission and reception of data to and from the other terminals 4 , 6 , and 8 via the network interface 21 .

The main data received from the game terminal 4 includes requests to download game programs and/or game data, matching requests, account information, game play results, information on characters used in game play, friend registration requests, etc. The main data sent to the game terminal 4 includes game programs and/or game data, matching results, notifications regarding the granting of play rewards (described below), information on game play including the content of planned game play and the latest betting status, information on characters created by the builder, information on friends, information on supporters (supporter names, investment amounts), etc.

The main data received from the betting terminal 6 includes account information, information related to betting operations, and support applications. The main data sent to the betting terminal 6 includes information related to planned game play, notification of wins/losses and payouts after play ends, and information about the person being supported. Information related to planned game play includes the player's name, the character to be used, payout rate, the latest betting status, and the like. Notification of payouts includes whether or not a payout has been awarded, and if so, the amount of in-game currency payout. Information about the person being supported includes the name of the player and builder who are being supported, profile information of the person being supported, and the like.

The main data received from the builder terminal 8 includes account information, information about the created character (appearance, parameters), friend registration requests, etc. The main data sent to the builder terminal 8 includes information about the planned game play, a notice if the created character is used in game play, rewards for using the character, information about friends, information about supporters (supporter name, investment amount), etc.

-Method of verification-
The verification means 232 authenticates the user account using the account information received from each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8. The authentication result is transmitted by the communication control means 231 via the network interface 21 to the terminal 4, 6, or 8 that transmitted the account information.

-DB management method-
The DB management means 233 updates the user DB 22a based on various data received from each terminal 4, 6, 8. For example, the DB management means 233 updates the relevant record in the user DB 22a based on game play results, player popularity, and information on the created character. When a bet is placed on game play, the DB management means 233 updates the amount of in-game currency held in the relevant record according to the amount bet and the payout, and also updates the bet win or loss up to now according to the bet result.

The DB management means 233 also functions as a friend registration section. Based on a friend registration request, the DB management means 233 writes the user name and other information of the friend target into the corresponding record. This writing process associates the identification information (builder name, etc.) of the builder who is to become a friend target with the identification information (player name, etc.) of the player, and the builder and the player's friends are registered as friends.

The DB management means 233 also functions as a supporter registration unit. Based on the support application, the DB management means 233 writes the name of the user to be supported and other information into the relevant record. This writing process associates the identification information of the relevant gallery (such as the gallery name) with at least one of the identification information of the relevant player (such as the player name) and the identification information of the builder (such as the builder name), and the gallery is registered as a supporter who supports at least one of the player and the builder.

Furthermore, when a supporter provides support, the DB management means 233 manages support information including at least one of "when," "to whom," and "what kind of support" was provided for each supported player and builder. The DB management unit 233 may also manage this support information in association with the supporter builder.

It is also possible for one player or builder to have multiple supporters. In this case, the DB management unit 233 can add support information to the user DB 22a each time a supporter provides support.

-Matching method-
The matching means 234 performs a matching process for setting an opponent based on a matching request from the game terminal 4. Methods for setting an opponent include setting, as opponents, destinations that have sent matching requests within a predetermined time, selecting a user with whom the destination user of the matching request has not played before and setting the user as the opponent, and selecting an arbitrary user from the user DB 22a by lottery.

When an opponent is set through matching, the opponent is sent information that they have been selected as an opponent, who the user to whom the matching request was sent, the winners and losers of that user's previous game plays, the date and time of the game play, etc. This is to ask the opponent whether or not to accept the match. If the opponent accepts the match, the user to whom the matching request was sent is sent information about the opponent, the winners and losers of that opponent's previous game plays, the date and time of the game play, etc.

If the opponent does not accept the match, a message to that effect is sent to the server device 2, and the matching means 234 performs the matching process again. In other words, game play takes place between the user to whom the matching request was sent and the opponent who accepted the match. If game play were to take place even though the opponent does not wish to play, the excitement of the game play would be lost, affecting the popularity of the player and, as a result, there is a risk that this would also affect the bets made by the spectators.

-Bet Management Method-
The bet management means 235 manages bets by individual galleries, tallying up bet information for each game play, and so on.

Regarding bet management, the bet management means 235 identifies the name of the gallery that performed the bet operation, the game play and player on which the bet was placed, and the amount of in-game currency bet, based on information on the bet operation from the betting terminal 6. The information on the bet operation includes the user ID of the gallery that performed the bet operation, information identifying the game play on which the bet was placed, information on which player the bet was placed, and information indicating the amount of in-game currency, which enables the bet management means 235 to perform the above-mentioned identification process. Based on the various pieces of information identified, the DB management means 233 can update the amount of in-game currency held in the user DB 22a.

When tallying up betting information, the bet management means 235 calculates, for each game play, the number of galleries who placed bets, the number of bets per player, the total amount of bets per game play, and the total amount of bets per player. At least one of these calculation results is used as the betting status according to the betting operation, for determining the payout amount, determining the reward for the player, calculating the popularity of the player, determining the reward for the builder, calculating the popularity of the builder, and so on. Note that when tallying up betting information, the most recent information may be the subject of tallying up, or various information from a certain period of time in the past may be the subject of tallying up.

The bet management means 235 also corresponds to a bet target determination unit. The bet management means 235 extracts gameplays scheduled for future matches as bet target candidates. In particular, for gameplays involving a player and builder who are the support target of a supporter, i.e., the party being supported (support target), the bet management means 235 determines them as bet target candidates by the supporter, since users registered as "supporters" of the player and builder are treated as galleries and are the targets of betting. This allows the supporter to actively place bets on matches in which the supported player will be an opponent or matches in which a character created by the supported builder is scheduled to be used. Therefore, the supporter can further support the supported player or builder through betting.

The process of extracting the betting target candidates is performed, for example, in real time. Each time a betting target candidate is extracted, the betting target candidate is transmitted to the corresponding supporter's betting terminal 6 by the communication control means 231. The betting target candidate is notified to the betting terminal 6, and the supporter can select a specific game play on which to place a bet from the betting target candidate and perform a betting operation.

- Popularity calculation method -
The popularity calculation means 236 calculates the popularity of each player and builder. As already mentioned, popularity is influenced by past wins and losses in game play, and past statements and actions of the player and builder. Therefore, popularity is calculated every time a predetermined period of time has passed, such as on a daily basis.

The parameters used to calculate a player's popularity include at least one of the following: the game play results for that player, the betting situation so far on that player, the number of supporters supporting the player, and the number of supporters the player has received. In other words, the current number of bets itself is not calculated as the current "popularity," but popularity can be said to be information calculated (set) based on the trajectory of the player, which reflects the player's actions so far, etc.

A player's gameplay results include the number of plays, the total number of wins in gameplay, the number of exciting matches they have played, etc. This is because the more plays and the more wins a player has, the more likely they are to become popular. Regardless of whether they win or lose, the louder the cheers from people watching the gameplay in real time (visitors) or the more times people who watch the gameplay video press "like," the more exciting the gameplay was, and the more likely they are to become popular.

The betting history includes the total number of times the gallery has bet on the player, and the total amount of in-game currency bet on the player. The higher the total number of times or the total amount of in-game currency bet, the more popular the player is.

The number of supporters supporting the player is preferably the number of people registered in "supporters" in user DB 22a, i.e., the current number of supporters. This is because the current number of supporters is said to be the indicator that most reflects the current popularity of the player. In addition, the number of supporters supporting the player may not be the current number of supporters, but may be the total number of supporters to date, including current and past supporters.

The number of pledges a player has received includes the total number of investments made to date, where an investment made by one supporter in a player is counted as 1, the total amount invested to date regardless of the number of supporters, etc. It can be inferred that the greater the number of pledges, the greater the interest in that player.

In addition, the total number of times other users have pressed "Like" on content that describes the player's activities can be used as a parameter to calculate the popularity of a player, separate from the present system 1. Other users include people involved in the gameplay, such as other players, builders, galleries, and administrators, as well as people who only watch the gameplay. In this case, the popularity can be said to be information set by an index based on the input operations of other users other than the player.

The parameters used to calculate a builder's popularity include at least one of the following: the results of a game play (hereinafter, "predetermined play") performed using a character created by the builder, the bet status on the player who used the character in the predetermined play, the number of supporters supporting the builder, and the number of supporters the builder received.

The results of a game play (predetermined play) include the number of predetermined plays so far, the number of times a player has won in a predetermined play using a character created by the builder, the number of predetermined plays in which the player had exciting matches, etc. This is because the more predetermined plays there are or the more wins a builder has using a character created, the more attention the character will attract, and the more likely the popularity of the builder who created the character will increase. The louder the cheers of people watching the predetermined play in real time, or the more times people who watch a video of the predetermined play press "like," the more exciting the predetermined play was, and as a result, the more likely the popularity of the creator (builder) of the character used will increase.

The betting status for a player who uses a character includes the total number of times bets have been made on that player in a given play and the total amount of in-game currency bet on that player in a given play. The greater the total number of times bets have been made and the greater the total amount of in-game currency, the more attention the player will receive, and the more likely the popularity of the character used by that player among builders will increase.

The number of supporters supporting a builder is preferably the number of people registered in "Supporters" in user DB 22a, i.e., the current number of supporters. This is because the current number of supporters is the indicator that most closely reflects the popularity of a builder at the current time. In addition, the total number of supporters supporting a builder may not be the current number of supporters, but may be the total number of supporters to date, including current and past supporters.

The number of pledges a builder has received includes the total number of investments made to date, where an investment from one backer in a builder is counted as one, the total amount invested to date regardless of the number of backers, etc. It can be inferred that the higher the total number of pledges, the greater the interest in that builder.

In addition, the popularity of a builder can be calculated using as a parameter the total number of times other users have pressed "Like" on content that describes the builder's activities, separate from the present system 1. Other users include players, other builders, galleries, administrators, and other people involved in the gameplay, as well as people who only watch the gameplay. In this case, the popularity can be said to be information set by an index based on the input operations of other users other than the builder.

-Method of determining dividend rate-
The payout rate determination means 237 determines a payout rate corresponding to a game play before the game play is executed. In particular, the payout rate determination means 237 determines a payout rate based on the popularity of a player who will compete in the game play. The popularity of a player is calculated by the popularity calculation means 236 described above.

Specifically, the payout rate determination means 237 calculates a lower payout rate as the popularity of the player increases. This is because it is expected that many spectators will bet on a popular player.

Generally, payout rates are determined for the convenience of the game operator so that the operator does not incur a loss or is advantageous. In contrast, in this embodiment, the payout rate is determined according to popularity, so that spectators can bet based on their expectations of the game play, such as "I wonder if the game play will be exciting" or "I wonder if I will see some interesting plays."

However, as a result of placing bets with reference to the payout multiplier determined based on popularity, the total number of bets may be biased towards one player, or the actual total number of bets may stagnate. In such cases, the payout multiplier determination means 237 can adjust (determine) the payout multiplier based on the actual betting situation (such as the number of bets placed by each player) at a specified time, such as when the betting period is about halfway through.

For example, if the difference between the number of bets on one player and the number of bets on the other player exceeds a predetermined difference, the payout rate determination means 237 adjusts the payout rate for one player to be lower than it was before. Since the payout rate is lowered, the payouts for galleries who make bets thereafter will be lower than the payouts for galleries who made bets up to that point, galleries considering making a bet can decide which player to bet on while taking the payouts into consideration. Also, if the total number of bets in one game play (the sum of the numbers of bets on both players) is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the payout rate determination means 237 may adjust the payout rates for both players to be higher than they were before.

The payout rate determined according to popularity may be adjusted according to popularity and/or the actual betting situation, and may be adjusted so that the payout does not result in a loss for the operator.

In this way, the payout rate changes depending on the actual betting situation, giving spectators the opportunity to have fun thinking strategically about when to place their bets.

-Dividend payment method-
After the game play is completed, the payout providing means 238 determines the amount of payout to be provided to the gallery and performs a process of providing the payout. In this process, the payout providing means 238 determines the payout for each betting operation based on the game play result indicating which player has won and the payout multiplier corresponding to the winning player. At this time, it is preferable that the payout is determined using the amount of in-game currency bet on the winning player's side. For example, the payout amount is determined by multiplying the amount of in-game currency bet by each gallery by the payout multiplier of the winning player's side.

The dividend awarding means 238 awards the determined dividend to the gallery by associating the dividend with the user ID of the gallery to which the dividend should be awarded.

-Method of reward granting-
The reward granting means 239 performs processing to grant a play reward related to game play to at least one of the player and the builder. A play reward is a reward for being involved in an actual game play, and includes a reward to a player for actually playing a game, and a reward to a builder for creating a character used by a player in game play.

The play reward is determined based on at least one of the following: the result of the game play that triggered the reward, the betting situation according to the betting operation in that game play, the popularity of the player, and the popularity of the builder.

The results of game play include which player used which character to win (or lose). The reward giving means 239 determines the reward for each player so that the winning player is given a larger reward than the losing player. The reward giving means 239 determines the reward for each builder so that the creator (builder) of the character used by the winning player is given a larger reward than the creator (builder) of the character used by the losing player.

The betting status here includes at least one of the following: the total number of bets in the game play that has been performed, the total amount of in-game currency bet on that game play, the total number of bets for each player, and the total amount of in-game currency bet on each player. Based on the betting status, the reward granting means 239 determines (adjusts) the rewards for each player and each builder so that, for example, more rewards are awarded to players who have placed a large number or amount of bets and to the builders of the characters used by those players.

In this way, in this embodiment, there are "players" and "builders" as betting targets. This makes betting more complicated and increases the overall interest.

The popularity of each player and builder is calculated using the results calculated by the popularity calculation means 236. The reward awarding means 239 determines (adjusts) the reward for each player and builder depending on their popularity so that more rewards are awarded to more popular players and builders.

The play reward is further adjusted based on the support status of the supporter. The support status includes the amount of support (investment amount) received by the player and builder who are the recipients of the play reward during a specified period, the number of supporters, etc. The reward granting means 239 adds a reward amount according to the support status to the play reward once determined, and can determine the added reward amount as the actual play reward for the relevant player and builder.

The reward granting means 239 grants the determined play reward to the player and the builder by associating the play reward with the user IDs of the player and the builder to whom the play reward should be granted. When the play reward is granted, the user DB 22a is updated by the DB management means 233.

The reward granting means 239 also grants support rewards to supporters of players and builders. In determining the support rewards, the reward granting means 239 corresponds to a classification unit. The reward granting means 239 ranks each of the identification information of multiple supporters according to the support information already described. The reward granting means 239 determines the support rewards for each supporter according to the classification results and evaluation values according to the performance of each of the supported players and builders.

Specifically, multiple ranks are predefined according to the number of times support has been provided. For example, if the number of times support has been provided is 0-10, then it is "Rank A", if the number of times support has been provided is 11-20, then it is "Rank B", and if the number of times support has been provided is 21 or more, then it is "Rank C". Multiple ranks A-C are predefined according to the number of times support has been provided. For example, every month, the reward granting means 239 calculates the number of times each supporter has provided support in the past month, and determines which rank A-C the supporter belongs to based on the number of times support has been provided. The determined rank is written to the user DB 22a by the DB management means 233.

The reward granting means 239 then determines the support reward for each supporter based on the rank of each supporter described above and the evaluation value of each player and builder who received investment from each supporter during the past month. Specifically, the support reward granting means 239 determines the support reward for each supporter so that the supporter who falls into a rank with a greater number of support attempts and has a higher evaluation value will receive a larger support reward. Furthermore, since a base support reward is determined in advance for each rank, the reward granting means 239 can determine the base support reward based on the determined rank and add an amount of support reward corresponding to the latest evaluation value to the base to determine the support reward for the supporter.

The evaluation value is an index that represents the amount of support (approval) given by other users to the performance of a player or builder, and can be, for example, the total number of times other users press "like" on content that describes the performance of a player or builder. Therefore, the support reward paid to a supporter, which is determined using this evaluation value, can be said to be a reward (benefit) to the supporter for the performance of a player or builder thanks to the supporter's investment.

The evaluation value may be determined based on the number of times the "Like" button is pressed on a general social network that is not directly related to the present system 1.

The reward granting means 239 grants the determined support reward to the gallery by associating the support reward with the user ID of the supporter to whom the support reward should be granted. When the support reward is granted, the user DB 22a is updated by the DB management means 233.

<Configuration of game terminal 4>
5, a display 52, a speaker 53, a controller 54, and a web camera 55 are externally connected or built into the game terminal 4. The game terminal 4 has a network interface 41, a graphics processing unit 42, an audio processing unit 43, an operation processing unit 44, an imaging and audio processing unit 45, a storage unit 46, and a control unit 47. The network interface 41, the graphics processing unit 42, the audio processing unit 43, the operation processing unit 44, the imaging and audio processing unit 45, and the storage unit 46 are electrically connected to the control unit 47 via a bus 49.

The network interface 41 is communicatively connected to the communication network NW to transmit and receive various data between the server device 2 and the like.

The graphics processing unit 42 renders game images including characters and various objects related to the virtual game space in a moving image format according to the game image information output from the control unit 47. The graphics processing unit 42 is connected to a display 52, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal type, and the game images rendered in a moving image format are displayed on the display 52 as a game screen.

The audio processing unit 43 is connected to the speaker 53. When the audio processing unit 43 plays and synthesizes game audio in accordance with the instructions of the control unit 47, it outputs the game audio from the speaker 53.

The operation processing unit 44 is connected to the controller 54. When the player performs key input via the controller 54, the operation processing unit 44 accepts this as data related to the operation input.

The imaging and audio processing unit 45 is connected to the webcam 55. The webcam 55 has a function for capturing video and picking up audio. The imaging and audio processing unit 45 performs image processing on the video data captured by the webcam 55, and performs audio processing on the audio picked up by the webcam 55.

The storage unit 46 is composed of a HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 46 stores game data downloaded from the server device 2, various programs including a game program, account information for the terminal 4, etc.

The control unit 47 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the terminal 47 itself.

The control unit 47 executes various programs to function as a communication control means 471, a game setting means 472, a game execution means 473, a notification control means 474, and a video data generation means 475.

-Communication control means-
The communication control means 471 mainly controls transmission and reception with the server device 2 via the network interface 41 .

The main data received from the server device 2 includes game programs and/or game data, matching results, play reward notifications, betting status, information about characters created by builders, information about friends, information about supporters (supporter names, investment amounts), etc. The main data sent to the server device 2 includes account information, various download request information, matching requests, game play results, information about characters used in game play, friend registration requests, etc.

-Game setting method-
The game setting means 472 performs settings related to game play based on operational input by the player to the controller 54. Settings related to game play include selection of a character to be used in game play, assignment settings of buttons on the controller 54 (key configuration), rule settings for determining victory or defeat, and the like.

The game setting means 472, which selects the character, corresponds to the medium selection unit.

When selecting a character, a list of characters to be selected is displayed on the display 52 of the game terminal 4. The player can select the character they want to use from the list, and the game setting means 472 selects the character in accordance with that operation. The character list includes characters that have been created by builders in the past, in addition to the characters provided by default. The character list also lists, for each character, the character's appearance, profile such as character settings, available techniques, status such as stamina and level, the name of the builder who created the character, and the date on which this information was last updated. When selecting a character, the player can refer to the information in this list.

The character list also includes characters created by builders who are registered as the player's friends, i.e., characters that are the target of the builder's creation operations. When displayed in the list, these characters are preferably displayed near the beginning and in a color or mark that distinguishes them from characters other than friends. This makes it easier for players to find characters created by friends in the list, resulting in more opportunities to select those characters.

Information about the selected character is sent to the server device 2 and used to update the user DB 22a.

-Game execution means-
During game play, the game execution means 473 reads data such as virtual game space objects and textures included in the game data from the storage unit 46 in accordance with the operation of the controller 54 by the player of the terminal 4, or uses data received from the server device 2 to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional game image information while executing the game program. As the game image information is processed by the graphics processing unit 42, the processed game images are successively displayed on the display 52.

The game execution means 473 then controls the actions of the player characters in the virtual game space in response to the operation of the player of the terminal 4 and the progress of the game, thereby executing the match. For example, the game execution means 473 moves the player character and causes him to perform a technique in response to the operation input made by the player via the controller 54.

After the game play is completed, the results of the play are sent to the server device 2 and used to update the user DB 22a.

-Notification control means-
The notification control means 474 controls the display of the display 52 and the audio output of the speaker 53 in response to operations by the player of the terminal 4 during game execution. The notification control means 474 displays a setting screen relating to game play, such as a list of characters, before game play begins, and displays game images during game play. When game play ends, the notification control means 474 displays a screen indicating the end of play and the result of the win or loss.

In addition, when a play reward is awarded to the player, the notification control means 474 notifies the player of this fact.

-Method of generating video data-
The video data generating means 475 generates video data for viewing using the game play video and the video data captured by the web camera 55. For example, the video data generating unit 474 generates video data by editing the game play video and the video data so that the game play video is displayed on a large screen while the facial expressions of the player during game play are superimposed on the large screen and displayed in the foreground. This video data may include audio data so that the audio of the player and spectators is output according to each scene.

The video data generation process by the video data generation means 475 is performed in real time during game play.

The generated video data is managed by the server device 2 and is broadcast to the communication network NW in real time or after the game play ends. This allows various users, such as galleries and builders, to watch the game play at any time.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned evaluation values can be viewed and entered in association with this video data.

<Configuration of betting terminal 6>
6, a display 72, a speaker 73, and a controller 74 are externally connected or built into the bed terminal 6. The bed terminal 6 has a network interface 61, an image processing unit 62, an audio processing unit 63, an operation processing unit 64, a storage unit 66, and a control unit 67. The network interface 61, the image processing unit 62, the audio processing unit 63, the operation processing unit 64, and the storage unit 66 are electrically connected to the control unit 67 via a bus 69.

The network interface 61 is communicatively connected to the communication network NW to transmit and receive various data between the server device 2 and the like.

The image processing unit 62 performs image processing on various image information output from the control unit 67. The image processing unit 62 is connected to a display 72, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal type, and displays the image after image processing on the display 72.

The audio processing unit 63 is connected to the speaker 73. The audio processing unit 63 outputs audio from the speaker 73 according to instructions from the control unit 67.

The operation processing unit 64 is connected to the controller 74. When various operation inputs are made by the gallery via the controller 74, the operation processing unit 64 accepts them as data related to the operation input.

Although not shown in FIG. 6, the betting terminal 6 can further include an externally connected or built-in microphone that picks up the sound of the spectators, an audio processing unit that processes the sound picked up by the microphone, and a webcam that captures images of the spectators. In this case, it is possible to capture images of the spectators watching the gameplay and pick up their audio.

The storage unit 66 is composed of a HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 66 stores programs and data for enabling betting operations by galleries, account information for the terminal 6, etc.

The control unit 67 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the terminal 6.

The control unit 67 executes various programs to function as a communication control means 671, an operation determination means 672, and a notification control means 673.

-Communication control means-
The communication control means 671 mainly controls transmission and reception with the server device 2 via the network interface 61 .

The main data received from the server device 2 includes information about the planned game play, contact regarding wins and losses and payouts after the play is over, information about the support recipient (the name of the support recipient), and future planned betting candidates. The main data transmitted to the server device 2 includes account information, information about betting operations, support applications, and so on.

-Operation determination means-
The operation determination means 672 determines the type of operation that is input via the controller 74. Operation inputs made at the betting terminal 6 include operations for placing a bet on game play, operations for selecting a player or builder to be supported, operations for requesting the selected player or builder to register as a supporter, operations for actual support (investment), and the like.

In this way, the operation determination means 672 corresponds to a bet acceptance unit, since it can accept bet operations for game play.

In addition, a list of upcoming game plays in which the supportee is involved is sent from the server device 2 to the betting terminal 6 of the gallery registered as a supporter, as information on potential betting targets. The gallery can select a game play on which they wish to place a bet (predetermined game play) and place a bet via the controller 74. This operation is also included in the operation input performed at the betting terminal 6. When these operations are performed, the operation determination means 672 can accept a betting operation on the predetermined game play.

-Notification control means-
The notification control means 673 notifies various screens relating to betting on game play, supporter registration, actual support, etc. via the display 72 and speaker 73 based on various information sent from the server device 2.

Figure 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display 72. Screen sc1 in Figure 7 displays a list of information about upcoming game plays and information about bets on each game play, in association with each other. Information about game plays includes the user names of the competing players. Information about bets includes the payout multiplier for each player in each game play, and the current betting situation (number of bets per game play at the current time, number of bets per player). Of these, the payout multiplier is determined based on the popularity of the player, as already mentioned.

By checking screen sc1, the gallery can decide which game play to bet on, which player to bet on if they are going to bet, how much in-game currency to bet, and so on, before placing their bets. Also, by referring to the displayed payout ratio, the gallery can estimate the popularity of each player and consider future activities as a supporter.

When the gallery places a bet, the notification control means 673 sequentially notifies the gallery of a screen corresponding to the bet. After the gallery places a bet, and the server device 2 accepts the bet, the notification control means 673 notifies the gallery of a screen indicating that the bet has been accepted without any problems.

The notification control means 673 can notify the video of the game being played in real time in response to the operation of the gallery. After the game play ends, the notification control means 673 notifies the player of the result of the game play, whether or not a payout was obtained in the game play, and if so, the amount of the payout.

The notification control means 673 also notifies the gallery that a registration screen is displayed if the gallery wishes to register a supporter, that an investment application screen is displayed if the gallery wishes to invest in the supported person, and that if a reward has been awarded for the investment, a screen is displayed showing that fact and the amount of the reward.

<Configuration of builder terminal 8>
8, a display 92, a speaker 93, and a touch panel 94 are externally connected or built into the builder terminal 8. The builder terminal 8 has a network interface 81, an image processing unit 82, an audio processing unit 83, an operation processing unit 84, a storage unit 86, and a control unit 87. The network interface 81, the image processing unit 82, the audio processing unit 83, the operation processing unit 84, and the storage unit 86 are electrically connected to the control unit 87 via a bus 89.

The network interface 81 is communicatively connected to the communication network NW to transmit and receive various data between the server device 2 and the like.

The image processing unit 82 performs image processing on various image information output from the control unit 87. The image processing unit 82 is connected to a display 92, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the image after image processing on the display 92.

The audio processing unit 83 is connected to the speaker 93. The audio processing unit 83 outputs audio from the speaker 93 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 87.

The operation processing unit 84 is connected to the touch panel 94. When the builder performs various operation inputs via the touch panel 94, the operation processing unit 84 accepts them as data related to the operation input. Operation inputs include friend request inputs, various information confirmation inputs, etc.

In particular, the builder can perform operational inputs for creating a character via the touch panel 94, and the operation processing unit 84 can accept these as data related to the operational input.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, the builder terminal 8 can further be equipped with a microphone that picks up the builder's voice, an audio processing unit that processes the voice picked up by the microphone, and a webcam that captures the builder's actions, either externally connected or built in. In this case, it is possible to pick up video and audio of the builder watching gameplay and creating a character.

The storage unit 86 is composed of a HDD, SSD, RAM, ROM, etc. The storage unit 86 stores programs and data to enable the builder to create characters, account information for the terminal 8, etc.

The control unit 87 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the terminal 8 itself.

The control unit 87 executes various programs to function as a communication control means 871, a character creation means 872, and a notification control means 873.

-Communication control means-
The communication control means 871 mainly controls transmission and reception with the server device 2 via the network interface 81 .

The main data received from the server device 2 includes notification that the created character has been used and the award of a reward for it, information about friends, information about supporters (supporter's name, investment amount), etc. The main data transmitted to the server device 2 includes account information, information about the created character (appearance, parameters, etc.), friend registration requests, etc. The main data transmitted to the server device 2 may further include information about what materials were used to develop the character (i.e., information about the development materials).

- Character creation method -
The character creation means 872 corresponds to a medium creation section. When the builder performs a character creation operation via the touch panel 94, the character creation means 872 performs character creation processing based on data related to the operation input.

The character creation process includes the process of creating a character from scratch, and the process of enhancing the parameters of a character, such as stamina or skills, or changing the appearance of a character that has already been created or a character that is provided as default.

The process of creating a character from scratch includes the process of setting the character's concept, and the process of deciding the character's name, appearance, voice, parameters, skills, equipped parts, improved parts, etc.

--Notification control means--
The notification control means 873 notifies various screens via the display 92 and the speaker 93 based on various information sent from the server device 2 .

For example, when a character created by a builder is used in game play, the notification control means 873 notifies the user by displaying a screen indicating that a reward has been awarded for the use of the character, and by displaying a screen indicating the amount of the reward. In addition, when the builder has been registered as a friend in response to a friend request from a player, the notification control means 873 notifies the user by displaying a screen indicating that a friend has been registered, and when a supporter has made an investment.

When a builder creates a character, the notification control means 873 causes the display 92 to display screen sc2 shown in Fig. 9. Screen sc2 in Fig. 9 is an example of an editing screen when creating a character from scratch or when brushing up the character.
<Operation flow of dividend distribution system 1>

Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams showing the overall operational flow of the dividend distribution system 1.

In response to an input operation by the builder on the touch panel 94 at the builder terminal 8, the character creation means 872 performs a character creation process (step st1). The communication control means 871 controls the transmission of information about the character to the server device 2.

When the server device 2 receives the information about the character, the DB management means 233 updates the relevant portion of the user DB 22a based on this information (step st2). The communication control means 231 transmits all of the latest information about the character to each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8 (step st3). The notification control means 474 and 673 of the terminals 4 and 6 notify the latest information about the character, for example, in the form of a list (steps st4 and st5). The notification control means 873 of the builder terminal 8 displays on a screen that the information about the character created on its own terminal 8 has been received by the server device 2 and is now subject to management (step st6).

In the game terminal 4, a player may wish to register a builder of their choice as a friend based on the latest character information. When an operation to select and register a builder as a friend is performed via the controller 54 of the game terminal 4, the communication control means 471 transmits a friend registration request to the server device 2 with the builder designated as a friend target (step st7).

In response to receiving this friend registration request, the communication control means 231 of the server device 2 transmits information about the player who requested friend registration to the builder terminal 8 of the builder who has become a friend target. The builder terminal 8 is notified of the information about the player who requested friend registration. In response to the operation to approve the friend registration on the builder terminal 8 side, the DB management means 233 of the server device 2 updates the relevant section in the user DB 22a (step st8). After updating, the communication control means 231 transmits a notification to the game terminal 4 that the friend registration has been completed. As a result, the game terminal 4 is notified of the fact that the friend registration has been completed. In addition, the communication control means 231 of the server device 2 transmits a notification to the builder terminal 8 of the builder who has become a friend target that the friend has been registered. As a result, the builder terminal 8 is notified of the fact that the builder has been registered as a friend target (step st9).

In addition, there may be cases where a gallery member wishes to support a player or builder. When an operation is performed via the controller 74 of the betting terminal 6 to select an arbitrary player and builder from among the players and builders who are candidates for support recipients, the communication control means 671 transmits a supporter application to the server device 2 with the selected player and builder designated as the support recipients (step st10).

In response to receiving this supporter application, the communication control means 231 of the server device 2 transmits information about the gallery that applied to be a supporter to the game terminal 4 and builder terminal 8 of the player and builder who have become the support recipient. The game terminal 4 and builder terminal 8 are notified of the information about the gallery who applied to be a supporter. In response to the supporter application being approved by these terminals 4 and 8, the DB management means 233 of the server device 2 updates the relevant portion of the user DB 22a (step st11). After updating, the communication control means 231 transmits a message to the betting terminal 6 that supporter registration has been completed. The communication control means 231 also transmits the supporter information to the game terminal 4 of the relevant player and the builder terminal 8 of the builder. As a result, the game terminal 4 and builder terminal 8 are notified of the fact that they have become the support recipient and information such as the supporter's name (steps st12 and st13).

However, there may be cases where a player wishes to participate in game play. When an operation to request the selection of an opponent is performed via the controller 54 of the game terminal 4, the communication control means 471 transmits a matching application to the server device 2 (step st14).

In response to receiving this matching application, the matching means 234 of the server device 2 performs matching processing (step st15). When an opponent is set by the matching processing, the communication control means 231 transmits inquiry information to the opponent as to whether or not to accept the match. If acceptance of the match is received from the opponent, the communication control means 231 transmits the matching result including the opponent, the date and time of game play, etc. to the game terminal 4 that is the destination of the matching application (step st16).

Then, the popularity calculation means 236 of the server device 2 calculates the latest popularity of each of the matched opponents (players) (step st17), and the payout rate determination means 237 determines the payout rate corresponding to each of the opponents (players) based on the latest popularity (step st18). After the payout rate is determined, the communication control means 231 transmits the game play content, payout rate, latest betting status, etc. to each terminal 4, 6, 8 (step st19). As a result, each terminal 4, 6, 8 receives and notifies the information (steps st20, st21, st22).

At the betting terminal 6, a gallery member who has confirmed the information notified in step st21 may wish to place a bet on the game play. When a betting operation is performed via the controller 74 of the betting terminal 6 (step st23), the communication control means 671 transmits information regarding the betting operation to the server device 2.

In response to receiving the information regarding the betting operation, the betting management means 235 of the server device 2 identifies the game play and player on which the bet was placed, the amount of in-game currency bet, etc., and updates the betting status (step st24). The DB management means 233 updates the relevant section in the user DB 22a. After updating the user DB 22a, the communication control means 231 transmits the updated betting status to each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8. As a result, the betting status is received and reported at each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8 (steps st25, st26, and st27).

When the scheduled game play date and time arrives, betting operations are closed, and game play (match) is executed at the gaming terminal 4 (step st28). While the game play is being executed, the video data generating means 475 generates video data using the game play video and the video data. This video data is broadcast in real time to the communication network NW. Therefore, each of the terminals 4, 6, and 8 can watch the game play.

When the game play ends (step st29), the communication control means 471 of the game terminal 4 transmits the results of the game play, including whether the player won or lost, to the server device 2.

Upon receiving the results of this game play (step st30), the payout granting means 238 of the server device 2 performs processing to determine a payout for the betting operation and grant it to the gallery, and the reward granting means 239 performs processing to determine a play reward for participating in the game play and grant it to the player and the builder. If the gallery provided support as a supporter, the reward granting means 239 performs processing to determine the amount of a support reward for that support and grant it to the gallery (step st31).

The communication control means 231 of the server device 2 transmits to the relevant terminals 4, 6, and 8, if a payout has been awarded as a result of the game play, that fact and information on the amount of the payout, if a play reward has been awarded, that fact and information on the amount of the play reward, and if a support reward has been awarded, that fact and information on the amount of the support reward, to the relevant terminals 4, 6, and 8. As a result, the game terminal 4 notifies the player of the fact that a play reward has been awarded and the amount of the play reward (step st32). The betting terminal 6 notifies the player of the fact that a payout has been awarded, the amount of the payout, the fact that a support reward has been awarded, and the amount of the support reward (step st33). The builder terminal 8 notifies the player of the fact that a play reward has been awarded and the amount of the play reward (step st34).

In summary, the payout distribution system 1 of this embodiment includes an operation determination means 672 (bet acceptance section) of the betting terminal 6 that accepts betting operations by spectators (second users) on the game play of the player (first user), a payout rate determination means 237 (payout rate determination section) of the server device 2 that determines a payout rate corresponding to the game play based on the popularity of the player (first user), and a payout awarding means 238 (payout awarding section) that awards a payout to the spectators (second users) for the betting operations on the game play based on the result of the game play and the payout rate.

＜Effects＞
According to this embodiment, the payout rate is determined based on the popularity of the player. In other words, the payout rate is a value that reflects information that is familiar to participating users such as spectators, rather than a value determined for the convenience of the operator. This increases the willingness of spectators to place bets and increases their interest in the game.

Furthermore, the payout rate can be determined based on the betting situation according to the betting operation. For example, if bets are concentrated on one player, determining (adjusting) the payout rate based on the betting situation may alleviate the bias in the betting situation.

In addition, on the builder terminal 8, a character (usage medium) that can be used in game play can be created based on operations by the builder (third user). Although the builder is not a player, he or she can feel familiar with the game play by participating in the game play through character creation.

In addition, on the game terminal 4, a character to be used in game play can be selected based on the player's operation. By selecting a character created by the builder as the character, a connection between the player and the builder can be formed, and the builder can feel a sense of familiarity with the player. This can also further increase the builder's motivation to create characters.

When a player selects a character to use in gameplay, the selection options can include characters created by builders who are registered as friends of the player. This allows the player to proactively select characters created by builders who are registered as friends.

A gallery can also be registered as a supporter who supports a player and/or builder. If registered as a supporter, support information such as the amount of investment received is managed for each supported player and builder. Depending on this support information, a play reward related to game play can be given to the player and/or builder. In other words, the play reward that a player or builder receives for participating in game play will differ depending on the amount of investment received.

In addition, galleries that become supporters are given a support reward for their support. The support reward can be determined based on the result of ranking according to the support information (classification result) and an evaluation value according to the performance of each supported player and builder in terms of gameplay. In other words, galleries that become supporters can be given a support reward based on a rank indicating the level of support, such as investment, and how well the supported player or builder performed. This can also serve as a catalyst for further support, as galleries that are supporters become aware of their connection with the supported player or builder as a patron.

Regardless of whether the player or builder has a supporter, a play reward is given to the player or builder for playing the game. This play reward can be determined based on at least one of the results of game play, the betting situation according to the betting operation, the popularity of the player, and the popularity of the builder. Therefore, it can be said that the play reward may fluctuate.

A builder's popularity can be calculated based on at least one of the following: the results of a game play (predetermined play) performed using a character created by the builder, the betting status on the player who used that character in this play, the number of supporters supporting the builder, and the number of supports the builder received. In other words, since a builder's popularity may fluctuate, it can be said that the player reward determined based on this builder's popularity may also fluctuate.

In addition, gameplay involving at least one of the supported players and builders becomes a candidate for betting by the gallery, and the gallery can place a bet on a specific gameplay from among these candidate betting targets. Because the gallery is supporting the supported player or builder, they will want to place a bet as a way of supporting the supported player or builder. On the other hand, the supported player or builder will be more motivated to try to win the gameplay in order to meet the expectations of their supporter.

A player's popularity can be calculated based on at least one of the following: the results of game play involving the player, the betting situation on the player up to now, the number of supporters supporting the player, and the number of supporters the player has received. In other words, since a player's popularity may fluctuate, it can be said that the payout rate determined based on this player's popularity may also fluctuate from time to time.

[Other embodiments]
The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present disclosure.

The game is not limited to a fighting game or other competitive game, and may be any game in which events that are the subject of betting occur as a result of game play. The game may also be an action game or a card game. For example, the game may be a game in which multiple players work together to solve a problem or defeat a non-player character enemy, or a game in which multiple players compete against each other.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that video data of gameplay is broadcast in real time or after play, but this is not required.

In the above embodiment, the object to be developed by the builder is a game medium, and an example is given of a single "character." However, the object to be developed may also be a team consisting of multiple characters.

A character created by a builder may be used by one player or by multiple players. Also, if a builder creates a team consisting of multiple characters, that team may be used by one player or by multiple players.

The play reward in the above embodiment may be something that can be used only as a player or only as a builder. For example, the play reward for a player may be the right to participate in a certain number of free game plays, an item for strengthening a character's status, a skill that can be imparted to a character, etc. The play reward for a builder may be an exclusive part for a character, or modified parts or materials that can be used during character training processing, etc.

The play reward may also be something that can be used by both the player and the builder. For example, the play reward may be medals that can actually be used at game centers and casinos, cash such as paper money, virtual currency including privately made currency such as tokens, or electronic money. The play reward may also be a character's experience points, a stamina value that regulates a character's action time or number of actions, a consumable medium or lottery right that is consumed in exchange for playing a gacha to select a game object by lottery, or a right to participate in a special game event such as a tournament.

A single builder may be able to create multiple characters (usage media). In this case, the "popularity of each individual character" may be linked to the popularity of each character for the builder. Also, the overall evaluation of having created all the characters may be linked to the builder's popularity.

The popularity of the player may be notified to the builder, and the popularity of the builder may be notified to the player. In this case, the player may deliberately select a character created by a builder with a relatively low popularity level or a character with a relatively low popularity level. By winning while deliberately using such a character, the popularity calculation means 236 of the server device 2 may perform calculations to increase the builder's popularity for that character to a greater extent than usual. Furthermore, if the player can win while deliberately using a character with a relatively low popularity level, this may be an opportunity for the player's own popularity to increase.

In the above embodiment, it was explained that the player can select the character of a builder who is registered as a friend as the character to use in gameplay. However, depending on the game tournament event, restrictions may be imposed such as "characters of builders who are registered as friends cannot be used" or "characters to be used are forcibly assigned by random lottery." In these cases, the dividend distribution system 1 can be designed so that characters of builders who are registered as friends cannot be selected but characters other than those can be selected, or so that character selection is not possible regardless of who the builder is.

When playing the game, a handicap may be imposed on the more popular players depending on their popularity. This makes it harder to predict which player will win, which is expected to make gameplay even more exciting.

In the above embodiment, as shown on screen sc1 in FIG. 7, it has been explained that before the start of game play, the betting terminal 6 notifies the betting status and payout rate for the planned game play. However, this notification timing may be after the end of game play. In other words, the notification of the betting status and payout rate does not have to be made until the end of game play. This is to prevent the inducement of cheating, such as collusion between spectators, or between spectators and players, to obtain a result that is advantageous to them before the start of game play.

The betting terminal 6 may be any terminal capable of receiving betting operations and payout notifications, and may basically be a terminal that is controlled independently of the other terminals 4 and 8.

The supporter gallery may support either the player or the builder alone, or the combination of the player and the builder.

Players and builders may have levels, and characters may also have levels. The higher the level, the more advantageous the gameplay. For example, the higher the level of a player or character, the more skills they can use to give an advantage during play. The higher the level of a builder, the more benefits they can receive, such as being granted special skills when creating a training target.

Characters may be subject to usage restrictions, such as being usable only when the builder who created the character is logged in to the dividend distribution system 1. Furthermore, if a player has registered the character's builder as a friend, the player may be able to use the character regardless of the builder's login status (i.e., even if the builder is not logged in).

The character's status (skills and performance) may change depending on whether or not the builder is logged in to the dividend distribution system 1. In this case, the character's status changes depending on the builder's login status when playing the game, which also affects the outcome of the game play.

It is also anticipated that the builder's login status may change from logged off to logged on or from logged on to logged off during game play. Therefore, it is preferable that the status corresponding to the builder's login status at the start of game play be maintained throughout game play.

In the above embodiment, it was explained that supporters are ranked according to the level of support they provided. A title according to this rank may be given to the supporter. This title may be announced to other users participating in the present system 1. The timing of the announcement of the title may be any timing, such as the timing when the title is awarded, or the timing when the payout rate before the start of game play is announced. In this way, if the supporter is a famous person, the fact that the player or builder is supported by that person will be known to other users participating in the present system 1, which may increase the popularity of the player or builder.

In the above embodiment, for ease of explanation, the roles of users participating in the system 1 have been described as "player," "gallery," and "builder." However, it may be possible for a user to play two or more roles in one game tournament, or conversely, a user may be prohibited from playing two or more roles in a particular game tournament.

In the above embodiment, it has been explained that friend registration between a player and a builder is triggered by a friend request that specifies the person who will become a friend. However, a friend request may not specify a person, and instead, a friend request may be triggered by matching and a person who will become a friend may be automatically determined and registered.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where a gallery bet would be placed on the outcome of game play. However, the subject of a bet may be anything related to game play, and may be something other than the "win or loss" of game play. For example, bets may be placed on "how many matches will determine the outcome of a player's game", "whether or not a specific technique will be included in the techniques used during game play", "how many specific techniques will be used in total during one match", etc.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of an opponent being set by matching. However, matching does not have to be performed. In tournaments, league matches, and the like, match cards (opponents) may be set in advance. In this case, a player can log in at the scheduled time and play against an opponent that has already been decided. In this case, spectators can check the scheduled matches and place bets.

In the above embodiment, the "supporters" of the player and builder are treated as spectators, and an example is given of a case in which the supporters can bet on gameplay involving the supported player and builder. However, the supporters may simply enjoy watching the gameplay or watching the supported player's performance without placing bets.

In the above embodiment, the extraction process of the betting target candidates is performed in real time. However, the extraction process of the betting target candidates may be performed at predetermined intervals, such as every hour, instead of in real time.

Betting operations may be allowed not only before the start of game play, but from the start of game play until a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the payout to the gallery who places a bet operation after the start of game play may be lower than the payout when the bet operation is placed before the start of game play.

The reward granting means 239 may perform processing to grant a portion of the bet amount and/or payout amount to the player or builder as a reward. In this case, the reward may be granted to the player or builder in the form of paid or unpaid in-game currency that is valid in the virtual game space. The reward granting means 239 may also perform processing to grant a portion of the bet amount and/or payout amount to all players registered with the system 1. In this case, the reward can serve as a lure to encourage all players to actively participate in game play.

The gallery may place bets only on the players, and may perform betting operations while information about the builders is kept secret. In this case, a process may be performed in which rewards are given not only to the players but also to the builders. If the gallery has knowledge about the builders, it can predict which player is using which builder's character. For such a gallery, betting can be more enjoyable if information about the builders is kept secret. Furthermore, after game play has begun with bets placed only on the players, information about the builders may be made public. In this case, the gallery may be able to re-bet.

In step st16 of FIG. 10, if approval for the match is received from the opponent, the communication control means 231 of the server device 2 may set a betting deadline and transmit the betting deadline to the game terminal 4 to which the matching request is submitted.

In the above embodiment, the dividend distribution system 1 is configured by a server device 2, a gaming terminal 4, a betting terminal 6, and a builder terminal 8, and the server device 2 and each terminal 4, 6, 8 have the functions shown in Figures 3 to 8. However, the system configuration and which device or terminal has which function are not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate.

1 Dividend distribution system 233 DB management means (friend registration section)
235 Bet management means (bet object determination unit)
236 Popularity calculation means (popularity calculation unit)
237 Dividend rate determination means (dividend rate determination unit)
238 Dividend awarding means (dividend awarding unit)
239 Reward giving means (reward giving unit, classification unit)
472 Game setting means (medium selection unit)
672 Operation determination means (bet acceptance unit)
872 Character creation means (media creation section)

Claims (2)

a payout rate determination unit that determines a payout rate corresponding to a game play of a first user based on history data including results of the game play of the first user up to the present;
a notification control unit that causes a notification unit to notify information about the game play of the first user, the information including the determined payout rate;
a bet receiving unit capable of receiving a bet operation by a second user to place a bet on a game play by the first user;
Equipped with
The history data includes a number of times that the first user has played a match that meets a predetermined criterion;
The system determines whether the predetermined criteria are satisfied based on the level of excitement of the gameplay in response to the behavior of spectators and/or viewers of the gameplay of the first user. 1. A method for causing one or more computers to perform the steps of:
In the payout rate determination step, a payout rate corresponding to a game play of a first user is determined based on history data including a result of the game play of the first user up to the present time;
In the notification control step, a notification unit is caused to notify information about the game play of the first user, including the determined payout rate;
In the bet receiving step, a bet operation of a second user placing a bet on a game play of the first user is received,
The history data includes a number of times that the first user has played a match that meets a predetermined criterion;
The method in which whether or not the predetermined criterion is satisfied is determined based on the excitement of the game play in response to the behavior of spectators and/or viewers of the game play of the first user.

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