Building social network by playing computer games?

Is that even possible? Games are often defined as something evil and a waste of time. Sure there are plenty of them (if not all) that are meant to entertain those who need to be entertained. Bu they can be more than that as well.

Often clusters and networks that are created by modern computer games are not seen and hence the focus is shifter to other things. Such as for example in-game violence. But many games often have their own (sometimes large) community. People meet on these community sites or spots and chat. The structure almost seems to follow a certain pattern. And it might even be worthwhile investigating form social science point of view. A quick look on any forums will tell you have basically 3 major topics. The game - where people discuss "the coolness" and "awesomeness" of the particular game. Then there is a help section - where people come to ask help. And then there is the chat section. A quick view on any gaming forum will show where most posts are. In the chat section - where people just interact, debate and exchange information on topics that are not related to the game (moderators take care that that is the case).

One might say that debate over other topics prevails over game discussion. After all a lot of games leave nothing to discuss about. A few options, a few quirks, glitches and bugs. And that's it... But the chat section it's filled with various topics. From personal problems of members, to daily politics, sports and events.

The only problem is that these networks don’t seem to be stable. People come, stay, people go. The only more stable ones are the ones dedicated to the project. Yet again they last only until the project lasts.

An interesting project is Mount & Blade. Started by a small team - husband and wife - it evolved fast with help of a large community and mod developers. With many followers and many people already purchased the unfinished game (project?!) it seems to be a success.

There are plenty options available through modifications. The biggest one is to easily represent the history of a country through game and offer it to other people to experience it. An example is 100 years war mod or Holy War mod. Too bad there is no “Slovenia in middle ages” mod. But there are Slovenians participating in development of othe rmods. Well at least something I guess….