As an online game forum browser, when you read a topic entitled "Get me a girlfriend, win mass gold" you become immediately skeptical. Is this a prankster, trying to lure unsuspecting "n00bs" into a trap? Or is it a horny geek gamer that's spent a little too much time in the virtual world? Unfortunately, the third option — that the person behind it may actually need the support of his fellow gamers — tends not to be the first thing that comes to mind.
One member of the World of Warcraft
forums actually created a thread with the aforementioned title, with a very detailed explanation of who he is, how he
lives his life and what he wants: love. The majority of responses have been supportive and full of good advice, which
gives a good representation of people that play WoW.
This thread raises a lot of issues about the
psychology of gaming. This example shows that people who play games with other people can feel more open to sharing
their problems with fellow gamers. On the other hand, it also shows the limits of social gaming. Whilst this thread may
be the guy's stepping stone towards getting a date, he probably won't be 100% successful without some good ol' effort
in the real world.
[Update: Yes, we know this may be a hoax, but the commentary still stands
even if it is.]
