Abstract: A method for use with a computer simulation includes providing an ability to run a simulation in which a plurality of client devices communicate over a network to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to generate a first user interface on each of the plurality of client devices for allowing users associated with the client devices to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to allow users associated with a subset of the plurality of client devices to interact with information that includes a representation of at least a portion of an environment of the simulation without allowing access thereto by the other client devices, and providing an ability for the simulation to generate an event in response to interactions with the information. A system for use in running a computer simulation and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and linking network accounts to share access privileges among accounts. In one implementation, a method of managing network accounts includes: linking a second account having general access to a first account having member access; and granting at least part of said member access to said second account while said second account is linked to said first account; wherein said first account has a corresponding subscription, said general access provides at least one privilege, and said member access provides two or more privileges that are not provided by said general access.

Abstract: A method for use with a computer simulation includes providing an ability to run a simulation in which a plurality of client devices communicate over a network to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to generate a first user interface on each of the plurality of client devices for allowing users associated with the client devices to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to provide information that includes a representation of at least a portion of an environment of the simulation on a subset of the plurality of client devices, and providing an ability to allow users associated with the subset of the plurality of client devices to interact with the information without allowing access thereto by the other client devices. A system for use in running a computer simulation and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for use with a computer simulation includes providing an ability to run a simulation in which a plurality of client devices communicate over a network to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to generate a first user interface on each of the plurality of client devices for allowing users associated with the client devices to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to allow users associated with a subset of the plurality of client devices to interact with information that includes a representation of at least a portion of an environment of the simulation without allowing access thereto by the other client devices, and providing an ability for the simulation to generate an event in response to interactions with the information. A system for use in running a computer simulation and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for use with a computer simulation includes providing an ability to run a simulation in which a plurality of client devices communicate over a network to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to generate a first user interface on each of the plurality of client devices for allowing users associated with the client devices to interact with the simulation, providing an ability to provide information that includes a representation of at least a portion of an environment of the simulation on a subset of the plurality of client devices, and providing an ability to allow users associated with the subset of the plurality of client devices to interact with the information without allowing access thereto by the other client devices. A system for use in running a computer simulation and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.