Credit: Freakygaming.com

In-game dating often gets a bad reputation. We tend to picture overweight, antisocial gamers playing attractive avatars from their respective parents’ basements. But really, any relationship based on shared interests has a much higher chance of success! Meeting a special someone over a shared love of multiplayers games — or a specific multiplayer game — is just like connecting over your love of eighties hair bands or authentic Thai food.

Like online dating on Match.com, eHarmony or other matchmaking sites, couples who meet through World of Warcraft first connect entirely through their words. Game romance still holds some of the spontaneity of offline romance because gamers aren’t logging on to look for a special someone. Players can connect socially through ingame chat, join parties or guilds together, work together to complete missions and enjoy all the fun of the MMO with another hobbyist. And we all know that having a great time with someone, online or off, often leads to a romantic connection!

Playing a multiplayer game also allows a potential couple to work together to solve puzzles and complete goals. Collaborating on a mutual goal allows you to see a side of your partner that bar smalltalk would never let you see. Does he want to take over, leaving you trailing in his wake? Does he whine when things don’t go his way? Or does he praise you for your contributions and encourage you to succeed? Game hookups offer this insight into his character right away. (Or would you rather wait for these dealbreakers to show up later on?)

Successfully meeting goals, especially as a joint effort, strengthens the bonds between friends and more-than-friends. And having a good time with a love interest always increases the attraction! As MMOs draw more and more players, in-game dating will only become more popular!