Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating remote devices is described herein. A method incorporating at least some of the present teachings may include, for example, receiving a communication from a client application executing on a remote device. The communication may indicate a condition of a game character being played in a massively multi-party online game. The method may also include developing a filtered manifest that includes a list of files needed by the client application and associated with the condition. A portion of the collection may be identified for communication to the client application, and communication of the portion may be initiated.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating remote devices is described herein. A method incorporating at least some of the present teachings may include, for example, receiving a communication from a client application executing on a remote device. The communication may indicate a condition of a game character being played in a massively multi-party online game. The method may also include developing a filtered manifest that includes a list of files needed by the client application and associated with the condition. A portion of the collection may be identified for communication to the client application, and communication of the portion may be initiated.

Abstract: A method of displaying notes in an interactive game environment includes receiving information indicative of the note content, and displaying the note as a three-dimensional object in the game environment. The displayed note can be configured so that it is only visible in designated contexts, or to designated players or designated groups.

Abstract: A server device can receive availability inquiries from chat programs via a network. The server device determines a first user's availability to a second user based on whether that second user is a member of one of a set of groups identified by the first user. Based on the determination, the server device communicates information indicating the first user's availability to a chat program which displays an indicator, such as an icon, based on the information. Accordingly, a user can identify his availability to other users on a group-by-group basis, providing a flexible way for a user to target his interactions via the chat program to a limited group of users.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating remote devices is described herein. A method incorporating at least some of the present teachings may include, for example, receiving a communication from a client application executing on a remote device. The communication may indicate a condition of a game character being played in a massively multi-party online game. The method may also include developing a filtered manifest that includes a list of files needed by the client application and associated with the condition. A portion of the collection may be identified for communication to the client application, and communication of the portion may be initiated.