Abstract: A method and apparatus for avatar-centric communication, expression and display during a multi-user online simulation are described. Various techniques are introduced to increase the richness and realism of avatar interactions, including the use of “Chat Balloons”, “Chat Props”, cinematic techniques, avatar non-verbal communication, and gaze control.

Abstract: A chat system, method and computer program product for delivering a message between a sender and a recipient in a three-dimensional (3D) multi-user environment, wherein the 3D multi-user environment maintains respective digital representations of the sender and the recipient, uses a recipient interface to receive a message, map the message to a texture to generate a textured message, and render the textured message in the 3D multi-user environment so as to permit the recipient to visually ascertain the location of the digital representation of the sender in the 3D world. Received messages are mantained as two-dimensional elements on a recipient viewport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an avatar are described. A number of user-modifiable genes are maintained in a local processing system, each of which represents a different user-perceivable attribute of the avatar. An encoded representation of the genes is then transmitted to a remote processing system over a network. The genes represent non-geometry parameters, which are used in both the local processing system and the remote processing system to generate geometry for rendering the avatar. One or more of the genes may represent a biomechanical, behavioral, and/or biometric attribute of the avatar. One or more of the genes may be adjusted by a user to allow the user to customize the avatar, which may be performed using a graphical user interface designed for avatar customization. Adjusting one or more of the genes may generate a variation of a previously-generated avatar and may be used to control blending between two or more 3-D models or animation scripts.