Automatic and selective assignment of channels to recipients of voice chat data

Abstract

A method and system for selecting contacts to participate in a voice chat session over a communications network, such as the Internet, and for assigning contacts to a plurality of chat channels both automatically and manually. In a multiplayer game application, the method enables a player to host a chat session by providing a list of contacts from which the host can choose other player who will be invited to join the chat session and thereafter, to participate in the game. Upon joining the chat session, players are automatically assigned to chat channels, for example, based on an order in which they join the session. Optionally, chat channel assignments may be pre-assigned by the host, or reassigned by individual users after the initial automatic assignment. In addition, players can be selectively assigned to a “team” channel. The system employs an online messaging service to provide the list of contacts for each player, and implements a gaming utility application that enables the users to easily host and join chat sessions, and selectively control channel assignments. The system further includes a channel controller device that is connected to each user's computer and enables each user to selectively control which other players are able to hear them during a voice chat session, which is particularly advantageous during the playing of multiplayer games over the Internet or other network. Each of the channel controller devices is connected to a headset that includes a pair of headphones and a microphone.