Remember the days when finding love meant a chance encounter at school, work, or even a local coffee shop? Today, meeting someone special often begins with a swipe on a dating app. But as the digital age progresses, romance is finding new avenues, and gaming – a pastime once considered purely recreational – has become a surprising platform for relationships to blossom. Online gaming, now a hub for socializing and competition, is also opening doors to romantic possibilities.
A recent survey by GravaStar, a gaming gadget company, revealed that over half of gamers (56%; 18+) view their online communities as potential dating pools.
Among the states leading this new trend, Delaware ranked highest, with 75% of gamers expressing openness to finding love through online games. West Virginia closely followed, with 72% of gamers open to the idea of meeting a romantic partner while engaging in sentimental moments through games like Words With Friends.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, New Mexico’s gamers were least likely to embrace the idea of romance through gaming. Only 17% believed they could find love in virtual worlds, preferring to meet someone on a dating app or even in real life.
GravaStar’s survey also asked gamers if they had ever developed romantic feelings for someone they met online – and nearly half (43%) said yes! Moreover, 79% of gamers believe that relationships formed through gaming are just as valid as those cultivated in person or on dating apps. The rise of gaming as a potential matchmaker signals that the way we perceive online relationships is changing fast.
So, what games are most likely to lead to love? Unsurprisingly, MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) such as World of Warcraft topped the list, with 43% of gamers believing these immersive worlds offer the best chance to connect with others. Casual or social games such as Among Us came in second with 30%, followed by co-op games (15%) such as Left 4 Dead 2. Last on the list were competitive Battle Royale games such as Call of Duty, with only 11% of gamers seeing romantic potential in this intense genre.
Interactive map showing how gamers perceive romance in their communities across the country
“Gaming brings together like-minded people in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago,” says Nancy Ahn from GravaStar. “The ability to connect with others through a shared passion, even when it starts virtually, can lead to friendships, partnerships, and even love.”
