Abstract: A method for enhancing an online interactive gaming experience includes establishing a connection between each of a plurality of player computing devices and a gaming server network, such as via an internet, intranet, or other computer network. In addition, the method provided for selecting an available virtual game room from the gaming server network, and connecting at least some of the plurality of player computing devices to a mutually selected virtual game room. The present method further comprises providing a real time communication link between each of a plurality of player computing devices connected to a mutually selected virtual game room, wherein the real time communication link may include a real time audio communication link and/or a real time video communication link, such that each of the players admitted to a virtual game room can communicate with one another in real time during the play of an online interactive game.