Abstract: A streaming server stores a plurality of parameter values for configuring a computing client node to stream output associated with a particular application. Upon receipt of a request to establish streaming relating to the particular application, the streaming server retrieves the relevant parameter values from the previously stored information and generates instructions for configuring the client device based upon the retrieved parameter values. The streaming server transmits the instructions to the client device which uses the received instructions to configure itself for streaming. The stream of output from the client device is received at the streaming server which transmits the stream to other devices that have requested to receive the output. In response to subsequent requests, the streaming server again retrieves the relevant parameter values from the previously stored information and generates instructions for configuring the client device.

Abstract: Automated initiation of game sessions between a game player and subscribers to the game player's streamed output is disclosed. A content item server receives a request to initiate a game session from a particular game player. The content item server communicates the request to a streaming server which references a database to identify streaming subscribers who receive streaming output of games played by the particular game player. The streaming server communicates a notification to the streaming clients for the identified streaming subscribers. In response to receiving acceptances from particular subscribers, the streaming server communicates information identifying the accepting subscribers to the game server which creates a game session and adds the accepting subscribers to the game session. The streaming server communicates instructions to the streaming clients of the accepting subscribers to launch game clients and log in the subscribers to the designated game session.