System and method for distribution and interaction between networked users

A method of operating an online video game in which a game client application has been downloaded to a first computer system and to a second computer system, the client applications enabling a game to be played between the first and second computer systems, comprising:

• a. providing a user interface including a first device corresponding to the first computer system and a second device corresponding to the second computer system;
• b. receiving input commands from the first and second computer systems, input commands from the first computer system corresponding to commands to move or operate the first device, and input commands from the second computer system corresponding to commands to move or operate the second device;
• c. transmitting data, corresponding to the received input commands of one computer system, to the other computer system;
• and
• d. receiving the transmitted data and updating the movement or operation of each device on each computer system according to the received input commands and received data,
• e. such that the transmitting is performed using:
• i. an instant messaging system;
• ii. a light client;
• or
• iii. a lobby system in a web application, the web application in communication with each of the first and second computer systems.

A system for use by a first user to interact over a computer network with one or more other users, comprising:

• a. a device database module to store information corresponding to one or more devices, the devices being graphical elements;
• b. a friends database module to store information corresponding to one or more users associated with a first user;
• c. a user interface module through which the first user may choose at least one device and at least one user with which and with whom to interact, respectively;
• and
• d. a transmission module to send and receive interaction data.