Patent ID: 8167712
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A non-transitory storage medium storing a computer program comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to: associate a first player with a first online identity which represents an object, persona or character under control of the first player; associate a second player with a second online identity which represents an object, persona or character under control of the second player; communicate a message from the first player to a plurality of players that the first player wishes to be replaced by a third player who will assume control of the object, persona or character represented by the first online identity; receive a return message from the third player that the third player is willing to replace the first player; replace the first player with the third player by associating the third player with the first online identity and disassociating the first player with the first online identity, such that the third player assumes control of the object, persona or character that was under control of the first player, wherein the executable instructions that cause the computer to replace the first player is completed during a replacement time that is a substantially short period of time so as to not interrupt game play such that the replacement appears seamless to other players in an online game; and provide game situation information to the third player before the third player is associated with the first online identity.