Patent ID: 7857701
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising computer instructions, which when executed by a processor of a dedicated game console, instruct the dedicated game console to perform acts comprising: identifying at least one user account present on the dedicated game console for a user during use by the user of an offline game title on the dedicated game console; determining that automatic sign-in is enabled on the dedicated game console for the at least one user account identified, wherein a most recently signed in user account is identified as a specific user account for signing in; determining that a controller is coupled to the dedicated game console, the controller including a memory unit containing account information corresponding to the specific user account identified as being present on the dedicated game console; and automatically silently signing in the specific user account onto an online service using the account information contained in the memory unit of the controller without requiring action by the user of the offline game title on the dedicated game console for effecting the signing in, wherein the silently signing in comprises: opening a secure communication channel between the dedicated game console and a security gateway of a secure data center; wherein after the silently signing in, the user has access to an in-game notification or a cross-title game invitation, wherein the access to the in-game notification or cross-title game invitation enables the user to switch from the offline game title to an online game, wherein the offline game title is played by players with access to the dedicated game console and wherein the online game allows a player to play the online game against one or more other players online.