Massively-Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games are a peculiar thing. Most of us would agree that we start out playing these games from out of boredom, perhaps curiosity, or possibly even to make some new friends.
But occasionally, some lucky people unexpectedly find something more, and in the following examples, we see how some MMO players have found love online.
Surprisingly, online gaming is somewhat equally divided between genders, at 58% male players and 42% female players. With progresses in technology and Internet, online gaming is becoming more popular every day. Game developers are creating narratives around which players can interact and play through together. According to social psychologists, shared experiences, be it in the real world or virtual, bond people together and give them common ground and a better understanding of each other.
Mary-Anne, from Singapore, has been an avid World of Warcraft player since some years ago. While in game, multiple chance encounters, coupled with communications features helped nurture a relationship with Yong Hui. “On various occasions it seemed I had to run into him. It seemed like no matter where I was in the game, he was there too. Like me, he was not much of a talker. I ended up lol-ing shyly, not knowing what to say. After that we continued running into each other as usual. We ended up talking and became friends.”
What started out as a simple friendship for Mary-Anne eventually became more. “A few months later I confessed my feelings to him and asked how he would feel about us getting to know each other a bit more. In the weeks that followed, we spent hours talking non-stop, sent each other cute little e-mails and exchanged phone numbers.” Things got better from then onwards.
Mary-Anne and Yong Hui found in each other not only a partner with whom to do quests with, but also someone to unwind with after a hard day’s work. Yong Hui eventually asked Mary-Anne out in person, and their relationship deepened after a few months. They are now still playing World of Warcraft, and are actually considering taking the next big step in their relationship.
Gabriel, from Singapore, has played Pet Party since its inception. While in game he met Melissa, a Malaysian. They became fast friends and began playing the game together for awhile, eventually getting married in-game. Eventually, Gabriel picked up the courage to ask her out for real, and as love would decree, Melissa moved to Singapore and they started dating.
“I remember that he was very shy at first, but playing the game together for such a long time made me feel comfortable around him in real life.” Melissa explained. It’s been close to a year since they met, and their relationship is as strong as ever.
Online games are shaping our lives in more ways than we think. For couples like Mary-Anne and Yong Hui, and Gabriel and Melissa, these games will always hold a special position in their hearts.
Zhang Wenjie, Shaun
Shaun is the Editor at MatchMove Games
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