A patent doesn't mean much these days. Company's are always patenting designs for one thing or another.
Yes, a patent may not mean much, it could simply be Apple marking their turf, in case they decide to use it one day.
However... I gotta admit, the possibility of using FaceTime-quality video-chat for GAMING.... could possibly give Skype a run for its money. Many gamers have long relied on Skype for cooperative gaming, and it's essentially been the same thing for a few years. Microsoft's recent acquisition of Skype puts a big question mark there.
If Apple can integrate a Skype-like feature in their Game Center, via FaceTime technology, then it's certainly a welcome boost for Mac/iOS gaming.
