a mechanism is provided in a networked multiplayer game for use by playable characters . when operated by a player &# 39 ; s character , this mechanism causes the game to send a request for contact to an external contact center . the contact request is queued and allocated to an agent , optionally with the assistance of information provided by the game . when a contact center agent answers the contact request , a communications channel is opened from the agent directly into the game where the game system directs the communication to the local environment of the player &# 39 ; s character enabling the player to communicate with the agent of a contact center without leaving the game environment . the agent or contact center may additionally have a representation in the game so that the player can interact with the agent or contact center . the agent representation may be a character in the game controlled by an agent who is logged into the game , or by the contact center manipulating a game client or api , or by the game engine itself . a representation of the contact center may be a telephone graphic , portal , door , sign , lever , button or any other manipulable game object , and optionally a multimedia representation of the contact queuing system . payments can be made to or from the player using in - game currency which is credited or debited to an account held by the contact center .