Patent ID: 7347781

Claim:
A method for facilitating a multiplayer game using a plurality of wireless devices that are connected via a wireless network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a request to transfer information between at least two of the wireless devices during the multiplayer game, the information being text, audio, or image information; determining whether the requested transfer is permitted according to a set of predefined rules for the multiplayer game; and transferring the information between the at least two wireless devices only if it is determined that the predefined rules permit the requested transfer; wherein the determining step includes the sub-steps of: determining whether a first of the at least two wireless devices is operated by a participant or a non-participating viewer; determining whether a second of the at least two wireless devices is operated by a participant or a non-participating viewer; and determining whether the requested transfer is permitted according to the predefined rules that apply to at least one of participants and non-participating viewers of the multiplayer game; wherein information unrelated to the name is distinguishable from game information.