PC Gamer writer asks readers how MMO friendships changed their lives

PC Gamer columnist Harvey dedicated an edition of his regular MMO column, Terminally Online, to stories about relationships formed in online games that changed players’ lives. He invited readers to share their experiences in the comments.

The writer said he has played MMOs for 16 years. During that time, he met his first girlfriend through the games and formed friendships that became part of his social life.

Friendships beyond the games

Harvey described a close friend he has known for more than a decade and mostly communicated with by voice. They helped each other through difficult periods, and he later met her sister in the real world by chance.

Their shared history included City of Heroes: Homecoming and Final Fantasy 14. Although they spent years communicating within the small setting of Discord, Harvey described her as one of his best friends.

The example of Mats Steen

The article also mentioned The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, a documentary about World of Warcraft player Mats Steen. He died in 2014 from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and his closest online friends travelled from different countries to attend his funeral.

Harvey argued that human connections make MMOs special beyond their design, visual assets, raids or loot systems.