Abstract: A method for communicating in a distributed game system includes, at a server system, maintaining information associated with a plurality of entities in an environment; and maintaining communication sessions between the server system and a plurality of client systems for exchanging information associated with the entities between the server system and the plurality of client systems. Each such communication session uses a communication protocol that supports both reliable transmission of ordered messages, and transmission and selective discarding of ephemeral messages.

Abstract: A communication protocol provides a selective ordering of packets such that some sequences of packets on the channel are guaranteed not to be delivered out of order, while other packets on the same channel may be delivered before earlier sent packets are received, thereby preempting their delivery. The communication protocol can be implemented using UDP over IP. The protocol may be used for exchange of information in a distributed multi-player game.

Abstract: A method for communicating in a distributed game system includes, at a server system, maintaining information associated with a plurality of entities in an environment; and maintaining communication sessions between the server system and a plurality of client systems for exchanging information associated with the entities between the server system and the plurality of client systems. Each such communication session uses a communication protocol that supports both reliable transmission of ordered messages, and transmission and selective discarding of ephemeral messages.

Abstract: A communication protocol provides a selective ordering of packets such that some sequences of packets on the channel are guaranteed not to be delivered out of order, while other packets on the same channel may be delivered before earlier sent packets are received, thereby preempting their delivery. The communication protocol can be implemented using UDP over IP. The protocol may be used for exchange of information in a distributed multi-player game.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided that automatically display error information during a logon process or other similar process. The method and arrangements automatically display error information associated with a user input field through the use of non-modal display mechanisms within a graphical user interface. The method and arrangements monitor user input activities and automatically stop displaying the error information upon subsequent user input. The methods and arrangements may also stop the display of the error information after a defined period of time has elapsed. A tip balloon is one type of a non-modal display mechanism that does require the user to respond and does not interfere graphically and/or operationally with the ongoing graphical user interface supported process.