Avoiding non-intentional separation of avatars in a virtual world

A method comprising:

• identifying a first avatar proximate to a first location in a virtual world;
• identifying at least one other avatar proximate to the first avatar;
• identifying a reciprocal relationship between the first avatar and the at least one other avatar proximate to the first avatar;
• determining that allowing the first avatar and the at least one other avatar proximate to the first avatar and having a reciprocal relationship to the first avatar to enter the first location would exceed a maximum number of avatars allowed in the first location;
• and
• moving the first avatar and the at least one other avatar proximate to the first avatar and having a reciprocal relationship to the first avatar to a second location when the avatars attempt to enter into the first location.

A system for avoiding non-intentional separation of avatars in a virtual world, comprising:

• a processor;
• a module operable on the processor to detect a first avatar seeking to enter a first location;
• a module operable on the processor to determine if a second avatar is related to the first avatar based on a first predetermined rule;
• a module operable on the processor to determine that the first and second avatars are seeking to enter said first location together;
• and
• a module operable on the processor to determine whether to allow the first avatar and the second avatar to enter said first location based on a second predetermined rule.

A computer program product for avoiding non-intentional separation of avatars, comprising:

• a computer-useable medium having computer useable program code embodied therein, the computer useable medium comprising:
• computer useable program code configured to detect a first avatar seeking to enter a first location;
• computer useable program code configured to determine if a second avatar is related to the first avatar based on a first predetermined rule;
• computer useable program code configured to determine that the first and second avatars are seeking to enter said first location together;
• and
• computer useable program code configured to determine whether to allow the first avatar and the second avatar to enter said first location based on a second predetermined rule.