Single Dark Elf Seeks Ogre who likes Moonlit Strolls and Pina Coladas

I recently came across a site called MMODating which is apparently "the first, and only, dating site specifically designed for members of the online gaming community." (thanks a ton Joystiq)

Interestingly, the people who commented on the Joystiq entry equated this dating site with MMORPG marriages. MMORPG marriages are a fascinating phenomenon and Nick Yee has written an article on the subject titled "An Ethnography of MMORPG Weddings" on his site The Daedalus Project. It's not as dry as it sounds but if you don't like articles here's a cartoon. These are a few of my favorite quotes (with comments added) from the narratives in Nick's article:

"Some people gave up raids with their guilds to attend [the wedding]." Wow, that is devotion.

"A guard came by and started to attack some guests as the vows were being said, it was pretty interesting." Sounds like a Jerry Springer style wedding.

"The first wedding my husband got drunk and fell in some water and drowned." Well, at least it was a short marriage.

"He [my ingame spouse] has another char that he role plays as my Mom, that is even more role play fun." No comment.

Believe it or not, the MMORPG A Tale in the Desert even went so far as to actually incorporate marriage into the game itself making it a Trial. The description of the Trial is a lesson for real life - sure it's easy to get married but it's hard to find someone you trust with your life's savings.

But, the original website, MMODating, is different than in game marriage because it is attempting to facilitate real life romance between people who play MMORPG's. I'm not going to sit here and make fun of the profiles of people who had the courage to put themselves out there on this website. But they do make for an interesting read.

I don't think this kind of thing is something I would be interested - wait, hold on a sec - I just noticed that a few of the people from my area on this site are actually hot. And it's only $19 for three months. I'll be right back...