Abstract: A technique is described for managing loading of terrain data into working memory of a computer during a distributed simulation, in which multiple computer systems operated by multiple users participate, where the simulation involves multiple user-controlled objects simulated with a terrain database that is too large to fit in working memory of the computer system. The technique includes calculating an area of interest around each of the objects to be simulated, and then simulating the objects by loading into working memory the terrain pages of the terrain database that overlap with at least one of the areas of interest, and generally not loading into working memory terrain pages of the terrain database that do not overlap with at least one of the areas of interest. As such, at any given time, any given server can have loaded in working memory fewer than all of the pages of the terrain database.

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.