Abstract: A system and method optimizes game quality by matching players for an online game to one of several virtual games. This matching process may involve filtering the players who wish to play according to various constraint minimizing criteria, packing the players into one or more virtual games to optimize game quality factors of the virtual games, and then instantiating the virtual games to actual online games played by the players. The game packing process may be iterative and may involve adding a new player into a virtual game. Game quality factor (GQF) values prior to and after the placement of the new player in the virtual game may be compared. The comparison of the GQF values may be used, at least in part to determine whether the new player is to remain in the virtual game. Various criteria may be considered in instantiating a virtual game.

Abstract: A system and method optimizes game quality by matching players for an online game to one of several virtual games. This matching process may involve filtering the players who wish to play according to various constraint minimizing criteria, packing the players into one or more virtual games to optimize game quality factors of the virtual games, and then instantiating the virtual games to actual online games played by the players. The game packing process may be iterative and may involve adding a new player into a virtual game. Game quality factor (GQF) values prior to and after the placement of the new player in the virtual game may be compared. The comparison of the GQF values may be used, at least in part to determine whether the new player is to remain in the virtual game. Various criteria may be considered in instantiating a virtual game.

Abstract: A matchmaking system matches players for online gaming, when some of the players may be streaming players and other players may be non-streaming players. The streaming players, due to receiving content of the online game via computer networks from a streaming system, may experience a relatively greater network latency for game events relative to non-streaming players. When matching streaming players and non-streaming players for online game play, the relative competitive disadvantage for streaming players due to network latency may be compensated. Additionally, streaming players using input devices that may be more difficult to use and/or may be less responsive during game play, such as a touch screen, may also have their input device disadvantage compensated during matchmaking.

Abstract: A system and method optimizes game quality by matching players for an online game to one of several virtual games. This matching process may involve filtering the players who wish to play according to various constraint minimizing criteria, packing the players into one or more virtual games to optimize game quality factors of the virtual games, and then instantiating the virtual games to actual online games played by the players. The game packing process may be iterative and may involve adding a new player into a virtual game. Game quality factor (GQF) values prior to and after the placement of the new player in the virtual game may be compared. The comparison of the GQF values may be used, at least in part to determine whether the new player is to remain in the virtual game. Various criteria may be considered in instantiating a virtual game.

Abstract: A matchmaking system matches players for online gaming, when some of the players may be streaming players and other players may be non-streaming players. The streaming players, due to receiving content of the online game via computer networks from a streaming system, may experience a relatively greater network latency for game events relative to non-streaming players. When matching streaming players and non-streaming players for online game play, the relative competitive disadvantage for streaming players due to network latency may be compensated. Additionally, streaming players using input devices that may be more difficult to use and/or may be less responsive during game play, such as a touch screen, may also have their input device disadvantage compensated during matchmaking.

Abstract: A matchmaking system matches players for online gaming, when some of the players may be streaming players and other players may be non-streaming players. The streaming players, due to receiving content of the online game via computer networks from a streaming system, may experience a relatively greater network latency for game events relative to non-streaming players. When matching streaming players and non-streaming players for online game play, the relative competitive disadvantage for streaming players due to network latency may be compensated. Additionally, streaming players using input devices that may be more difficult to use and/or may be less responsive during game play, such as a touch screen, may also have their input device disadvantage compensated during matchmaking.

Abstract: A system and method optimizes game quality by matching players for an online game to one of several virtual games. This matching process may involve filtering the players who wish to play according to various constraint minimizing criteria, packing the players into one or more virtual games to optimize game quality factors of the virtual games, and then instantiating the virtual games to actual online games played by the players. The game packing process may be iterative and may involve adding a new player into a virtual game. Game quality factor (GQF) values prior to and after the placement of the new player in the virtual game may be compared. The comparison of the GQF values may be used, at least in part to determine whether the new player is to remain in the virtual game. Various criteria may be considered in instantiating a virtual game.

Abstract: A matchmaking system matches players for online gaming, when some of the players may be streaming players and other players may be non-streaming players. The streaming players, due to receiving content of the online game via computer networks from a streaming system, may experience a relatively greater network latency for game events relative to non-streaming players. When matching streaming players and non-streaming players for online game play, the relative competitive disadvantage for streaming players due to network latency may be compensated. Additionally, streaming players using input devices that may be more difficult to use and/or may be less responsive during game play, such as a touch screen, may also have their input device disadvantage compensated during matchmaking.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a protocol for managing redundant signaling links to form a reliable signaling connection is provided. The protocol has an initialization phase, in which the availability of signaling links is determined and an available signaling link is selected and activated, followed by an operational phase in which the activated link is used for sending signaling messages for a higher-level protocol. During the operational phase both links are monitored for availability using a query and reply technique. Should either link fail, a status message is sent to the remaining available link along with an activity switchover being performed, as required, depending on whether the failed link was the active link.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a protocol for managing redundant signaling links to form a reliable signaling connection is provided. The protocol has an initialization phase, in which the availability of signaling links is determined and an available signaling link is selected and activated, followed by an operational phase in which the activated link is used for sending signaling messages for a higher-level protocol. During the operational phase both links are monitored for availability using a query and reply technique. Should either link fail, a status message is sent to the remaining available link along with an activity switchover being performed, as required, depending on whether the failed link was the active link.