Gamers finding real-life relationships online
New research from Nottingham Trent University shows that the stereotypical image of online gamers as anti-social loners is no longer relevant. The study, Social Interactions in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, looked at almost 1,000 gamers from across the world, and found that more than half of MMO players meet up with other players in real-life - and one in ten go on to develop physical relationships with other players.
The interesting statistics don’t stop there - 30% have been attracted to another player, and females are far more likely to find themselves in lust online. One third of gamers reported that they felt more comfortable to be themselves online, and 40% had discussed things with online friends they found too touchy to bring up with a real-life friend.
And what of the impact on real-life relationships? One in five felt that their gaming commitments had a negative effect on their real-life relationships when their partner was not a player, however two thirds of those who played together reported a positive effect on their relationships.
Professor Mark Griffiths, from NTU’s School of Social Sciences, said:
This study has revealed many aspects of MMORPGs that were not known before. Previous research has suggested that gamers are socially inactive, but MMORPGs are actually extremely social games, with high percentages of gamers making life-long friends and even partners.
As well as making good friends online, 81% of gamers play with real-life friends and family, suggesting MMORPGs are by no means an asocial activity, nor are the players socially introverted.
The virtual world that these games offer, allow players to express themselves in ways they may not feel comfortable doing in real life because of their appearance, gender, sexuality, age, or other factors. They also offer a place where teamwork, encouragement and fun can all be experienced.
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