Patent ID: 9056250
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: A63F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method: receiving a selection of a game object assigned to a user in an electronic game application, the game object being a game character that is playable by the user to engage in game play as part of the electronic game application, and being configured to assume different visual appearances in the electronic game application based on different presence statuses of the user; responsive to receiving the selection associating, by a computing device, contact information for the user with the game object; receiving an input during game play to interact with the game object, the game object being displayed during execution of the electronic game application; responsive to receiving the input to interact with the game object, establishing a communication event with the user and using the contact information associated with the game object without interrupting game play; receiving a confirmation that the communication event is successfully established; and responsive to receiving the confirmation that the communication event is successfully established, changing the visual appearance of the game object assigned to the user.