This study explores the social interactions within and outside of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) among 912 self-selected players from 45 countries. The research reveals that MMORPGs are highly socially interactive environments, fostering strong friendships and emotional relationships. Players often form life-long friends and partners, and the virtual setting allows them to express themselves freely, particularly in terms of appearance, gender, sexuality, and age. The study highlights that MMORPGs can enhance teamwork, encouragement, and fun, and that online friendships can lead to real-life interactions. Key findings include: - **Demographics**: The average age of players was 23.6 years, with a significant gender difference in age, where females were older than males. - **Social Interactions**: Approximately 75% of both male and female players made good friends within the game, with males having significantly more friends than females. - **Attraction and Relationships**: 31.3% of participants reported being attracted to another player, and 10.1% developed physical relationships. Females were more likely to discuss sensitive issues and meet online friends in real life. - **Real-Life Interactions**: 80.8% of participants enjoyed playing with real-life friends and family, and 42.8% met online friends in real life. - **Motivations**: Players were categorized into "gamers," "role-players," "virtuals," and "skeptics," with significant differences in motivations and playtime. - ** Effects on Relationships**: Two-thirds of participants believed MMORPGs positively affected their relationships, while one-fifth believed they negatively impacted relationships with non-players. The study concludes that MMORPGs can be highly social and beneficial, providing a platform for players to express themselves and form meaningful connections.This study explores the social interactions within and outside of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) among 912 self-selected players from 45 countries. The research reveals that MMORPGs are highly socially interactive environments, fostering strong friendships and emotional relationships. Players often form life-long friends and partners, and the virtual setting allows them to express themselves freely, particularly in terms of appearance, gender, sexuality, and age. The study highlights that MMORPGs can enhance teamwork, encouragement, and fun, and that online friendships can lead to real-life interactions. Key findings include: - **Demographics**: The average age of players was 23.6 years, with a significant gender difference in age, where females were older than males. - **Social Interactions**: Approximately 75% of both male and female players made good friends within the game, with males having significantly more friends than females. - **Attraction and Relationships**: 31.3% of participants reported being attracted to another player, and 10.1% developed physical relationships. Females were more likely to discuss sensitive issues and meet online friends in real life. - **Real-Life Interactions**: 80.8% of participants enjoyed playing with real-life friends and family, and 42.8% met online friends in real life. - **Motivations**: Players were categorized into "gamers," "role-players," "virtuals," and "skeptics," with significant differences in motivations and playtime. - ** Effects on Relationships**: Two-thirds of participants believed MMORPGs positively affected their relationships, while one-fifth believed they negatively impacted relationships with non-players. The study concludes that MMORPGs can be highly social and beneficial, providing a platform for players to express themselves and form meaningful connections.