Patent ID: 7240093
Filing Date: 2007-07-03
Classification: A63F,G07F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for enabling a host player to select one or more other participants to join in playing a multi player online electronic game, comprising the steps of: (a) enabling the host player to create a list of contacts comprising one or more other persons who may be interested in participating in playing the multiplayer online electronic game; (b) enabling the host player to select one or more of the other persons from among the list of contacts to participate in playing the multi player online electronic game; (c) automatically sending an electronic invitation to each of the one or more other persons selected by the host player, to join in playing the multiplayer online electronic game, wherein the electronic invitation comprises a verbal message; (d) enabling each of the one or more other persons who receive the electronic invitation that was automatically sent, to selectively join the multi player online electronic game as a participant; and (e) providing an availability status for each person in the list of contacts so as to enable the host player to identify persons in the list of contacts who are currently available for playing the multiplayer online electronic game.