How to Enrich Long Distance Friendships Using Video Games

In today's world of Facebook searches and unlimited texting, long-distance friendships are the commonplace, but you may be surprised by how many people enrich those friendships through the use of video games. Whether you choose to connect with friends via Xbox Live, the Playstation Network, or on various massively multi-player online role-playing games (mmorpgs), a virtual world can help bridge the gaps in geography between you and loved ones miles away-or be the next best thing to a real visit, at least.

In the years since the Internet started being available in most homes, friendships have been built across thousands of smiles. Gamers meet and click with others, and bonds are formed; sometimes, those bonds develop into romance. "I met my boyfriend over the Playstation--we met playing rock band. He lived in New York and I live in Indiana. He now lives here with me in Indiana. He's been here a year and a half and we couldn't be happier," explained Megan Rittenhouse, a long-time gamer and a fan of using gaming networks to maintain long distance friendships. "The Playstation (network), in our opinion, is a great place to meet friends new and old."

But for many gamers, romance is not on the agenda when they log onto their choice gaming network. As a former Military household, my husband and I are intimately familiar with long distance friendships and the benefits of deliberately using video games to bridge the gap. We have purchased mmorpgs, computer games and even the Xbox Live feature to interact with friends over great distances. Sharing a common interest in video games has enhanced those bonds, but even if members of your social circle aren't gamers the benefits of using gaming networks to get-to-know or keep in touch is worth some persuasion. Besides, what gamer isn't thrilled to have another gamer to play with?

"I have grown quite fond of my long distant friendships, and feel amiss when I am unable to chat with them in a consistent fashion," commented Audrey Burley. "I believe the gaming has helped solidify the relationship, in terms of mutual interest, as well as act as a social lubricant or 'ice breaker' into the relationship." Audrey uses role-playing games over Internet forums to interact with her long distance friends. "I greatly enjoy the creativity the forum setting provides me ... though, I have to admit, that the social interaction amplifies game play and allows for collaboration and co-creation."

My list of the top 10 mmorpgs available may serve as a good starting point if you are considering the benefits of online gaming with your long distance friends. Alternatively, if you would rather sample the enjoyment of gaming with faraway loved ones, Yahoo! offers a variety of free, multi-player video games; my recommended top 5Yahoo! Games currently available may spark your interests.

Ultimately, I would recommend the application of video games as an activity to be shared for anyone with long distance friends and family. While a virtual world is a poor substitute for reality, sharing triumphs and laughter over the antics of your companions can make hundreds of miles seem like a token block or two.