This article is more than 1 year old

Geeks do *so* have friends

And they have the empirical research to prove it

Gaming fans are a deeply social and friendly people, not isolated geeks. This is the main finding of a survey of gamers, published by GameMore, a UK gaming event co-ordinator.

The survey of GameMore's users showed that most people prefer to play in multiplayer mode, rather than against the computer. Of those remaining, very few expressed a preference for flying solo.

Matt Bellringer, technical director of GameMore, said computers were a new way to interact with people, not a way to hide from them.

"We found that the main reason people enjoy computer games so much is because they like to compete and co-operate with other gamers, and that playing against the computer just isn’t so much fun."

He argued that games developers should put more emphasis on the social aspect of gaming. Games with the right modes, connectivity and server support will be more successful because they will capitalise on the social experience of playing games in groups. It will also interest a wider section of the population in the pastime.

To prove its point, GameMore is running a series of group gaming sessions around the UK. The plan is that gamers will have a chance to meet and talk in the flesh, as well as play each other online. More information on that on their website.

The full report is here. ®

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