The Witcher 3 Wins GameSpot GotY

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 22, 2015

Adding another accolade to the long list, CDProjekt Red’s The Witcher 3 was awarded Game of the Year by GameSpot today. The global team of editors take months to collate the tastes, experiences and preferences of the communities they represent. Their final list of the top 25 games of 2015 spans everything from big AAA titles to small but impactful indie games. We explored political turmoil, civil war, supernatural elements, and a vibra

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We Now Have Way More Sympathy for Game Devs

Posted By: Melissa - December 19, 2015

Welcome to all the new members pouring in! First off, thank you to everyone here. This site is the dream of three gamers and it is incredible to share it with all of you. What started as an off-hand idea has bloomed into the work of our every waking moment and we are so grateful you are here. Some of you may have noticed the challenges we have had with our current version. Several members were magically transported to far away lands last mo

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Changes Coming to WoW PvP

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 17, 2015

We WoW fans have been eagerly awaiting the details of the new Legion PvP changes that were teased at BlizzCon. Blizzard put up a massively detailed post on their blog yesterday and while we admit that we were skeptical to begin with (aaaarg, change!), the updates look like they will breathe new life in to what some think is a ailing game. Hopefully, these changes will make it easier for good players who haven’t spent the past decade gatheri

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Halo 5 Update Brings Forge To A New Level

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 16, 2015

Halo 5: Gaurdians players are getting a holiday gift a little early. Today, 343 Industries released a free update for the Xbox One shooter, called The Cartographer’s Gift. This is the second free expansion, it follows Battle of Shadow and Light which was released in November. The Cartographer's Gift adds more maps - both Area and Warzone, new assassinations, new REQs and what we are most excited about: a massive overhaul of Fo

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The Final Announcements for Super Smash Bros Wii U

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 16, 2015

Masahiro Sakurai, Director of the Super Smash Bros. series, hosted the final presentation for the game today, announcing the last two additions to the list of fighters. Once they release, hopefully in February of next year, there will be 58 playable characters and 84 stages.  Corrin, from Fire Emblem Fates was announced first. The tactical role-playing game is due to be released for the 3DS in the west on February 19th. As you can choose

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Unravel Release Date Announced

Posted By: Melissa - December 14, 2015

Swedish studio Coldwood Interactive and EA have finally answered the burning question of release date for Unravel. The game will be released on February 9th on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PCs. To celebrate the announcement, they have also released a beautiful story trailer; you can see it here. This is one of my most anticipated games of next year and I don't think I am going to be disappointed.  Unravel is a physic-based puzz

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Microsoft Adds More Support for Xbox Wireless Adapter

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 11, 2015

For those of you who prefer controllers to keyboards, today a is a great day. Finally, Microsoft officially introduced Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 support for the Xbox Wireless Adapter. When the dongle was released in October there was only support for Windows 10 - because loads of us were super keen on that update (and all of the auto ones that would come after), right?  Now that there is support for 7 and 8.1, we don’t mind the $25

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EVE: Valkyrie Announced as Oculus Rift PreOrder Bonus

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 10, 2015

It has been several years since the Oculus Rift was introduced as the next big gaming experience. With still frustratingly few real details about the some time in Q1 release date, new and actually exciting info has been announced. Those who pre-order the device will get EVE: Valkyrie and an Xbox One controller so they can dogfight their way through space without leaving the living room - or your bed, no judgements.  CCP Games, best k

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Elder Scrolls Online F2P Weekend and $1M Giveaway

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 10, 2015

Elder Scrolls Online is free to play this weekend for PC/Mac and Xbox One. Beginning at 8am GMT on Thursday and ending on Monday at 8am GMT, players will have full run of the game. Check out their announcement for details on downloading. PlayStation 4 wasn’t included, but ZeniMax is “working with Sony on a technical solution.” We hope that has something to do with the just announced free PlayStation Plus weekend that just happen

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System Shock 3 Leaked

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 08, 2015

Earlier, on their Facebook, OtherSide Entertainment posted a link to a site: https://othersidetease.com/b645gt.php . Following the link takes you to a mostly black page with only an ominous count down and a glitchy animated ’s’. Of course gamers weren’t going to leave it there and a user at RPGCodex dug into the source code and posted a confirmation of what we all were hoping for: System Shock 3. System Shock and its sequel a

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Minecraft Finally Confirmed for Wii U

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 07, 2015

In a live podcast on Saturday for Nintendo World Report, Damon Baker - Nintendo of America Senior Manager of Licensing and Marketing - teased an announcement coming on Monday. A big announcement. Fans spent the weekend speculating everything from new Super Smash Bros. news to details about the NX.  Today, Nintendo and Mojang announced that despite doubts, Minecraft will be coming to the Wii U as a digital release on the 17th of this month

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The Leaked List of Games Probably Coming to Steam

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 06, 2015

NeoGAF has leaked a list of games possibly coming to Steam. Some were added as potential topics in the Steam Help Desk while others were found through SteamDB. Both are relatively reliable ways of predicting what games are planning to release on the platform. There are some fantastic games on the list, previously only available on console:     •    Everybody's gone to the rapture     

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PlayStation Experience Kicks Off With Exciting Keynote

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 05, 2015

Sony’s second annual PlayStation Experience kicked off with a keynote filed with tons of announcements and trailers. It continues later today with panels from some of the largest franchises on PlayStation such as Uncharted and Call of Duty. Here are the parts of the keynote speech we are most excited about: The new Final Fantasy 7 remake gameplay trailer was shown and it looks fantastic. While we wait for that, the PC port of the

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Amplitude Soundtrack and PS4 Release Date Announced

Posted By: Melissa - December 02, 2015

Today, Sony and Harmonix announced the release date of an updated version of Amplitude. On January 5th, PlayStation 4 owners can get the game through the PlayStation Store for $20. No word yet on the PS3 version. The Kickstarter backed update was originally slated to come out in March of this year and continued to be pushed back as Harmonix added new features. The original is one of my all time favorite games and I can't wait to share this

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Bloodborne Servers Down For Emergency Maintenance

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - December 01, 2015

If you were planning on playing some Bloodborne this week, perhaps trying to climb the leaderboards with your friends in recently added patch: The League -- you are going to have to wait. Sony announced today that the servers are down for “emergency maintenance”. We are currently conducting emergency maintenance on the game servers. The maintenance should be complete within a few days. We will update you again once

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Interactive Loading Screen Patent Expires Friday

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - November 25, 2015

Something great is happening this week. Though, yes, our American team members are pretty stoked to eat their weight in turkey and stuffing, what we are all really excited about this week is the end of US patent 5718632.  While that may read as just a bunch of numbers, the patent they represent has had a profound impact on gamers. Filed on November 27th, 1995 by Namco - this patent stopped all other game devs from including interactive

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New Game From Makers of Retro City Rampage

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - November 25, 2015

PlayStation and Vblank Entertainment announced a sequel to Retro City Rampage today. The 16-bit follow up, called - Shakedown Hawaii - takes place 30 years after the previous game and follows The Player as he is forced out of retirement to save his "neglected corporate empire". There aren't a lot of details in either the blog post or the trailer, but we do know it will release for the PlayStation 4 and Vita and that the first g

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Mankind Divided Delayed

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - November 18, 2015

In a blog post titled “No compromise on quality”, Eidos-Montreal Head of Studio David Anfossi announced that Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is being delayed until August 23rd, 2016.  I know that expectations are extremely high, and we not only want to meet those expectations, but exceed them. We’re confident and proud of the game so far. However, as we are now playing through the game in full we can see that it will require

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Pillars of Eternity: The White March Part 2 Announced

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - November 16, 2015

Today, Obsidian and Paradox Interactive announced that the second expansion for Pillars of Eternity, The White March Part Two, will be out in late January 2016. If that title sounds oddly familiar, you aren’t experiencing deja vu - this DLC finishes the story started in the first expansion. There isn’t a lot to report on at this time, but we can tell you that level caps have been raised, there are new quests and abilities as well a

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Highlights From Today's Nintendo Direct

Posted By: The GamerDating Team - November 13, 2015

It has been months since the last Nintendo Direct and fans turned out by the thousands online. For any of you lifetime Nintendo fans out there who couldn’t watch the livestream of today’s Nintendo Direct, we have you covered. You can watch the entire 45 minute broadcast here. Legend of Zelda As suspected, Twilight Princess HD will be coming to the WiiU. The preorders start today and the release will be March 4th, 2016. Of c

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Digital Romance: 18 Tips for a Mind-Blowing Connection

Posted By: Aliena - October 31, 2023

Romance in the Digital Age: 18 Tips for Establishing an Emotional Connection through the Screen

In days when romance chimes like a smartphone notification and glows like a laptop screen, digital communication is the new normal in maintaining online relationships. Choose to welcome it or curse it; what really matters is that an emotional connection in a romantic setting has never been purely physical in the first place. So, think 'brain' and 'imagination in romance', and read on to learn how to mindfully forge mind-blowing romantic online connections.

Online Romance as a Way to Go

My best romantic stories have never started with a mere 'Hi!' or 'How are you?'. These digital love tales often had a 'long-distance relationship' tag at some point at the beginning, facilitated through some smart device delivering emotionally charged messages. The first ever romance I experienced started with an embarrassing but endearing SMS exchange. I sent a heartfelt New Year message to the wrong number; he replied with a witty retort. It was an instant emotional connection, and we spent 1.5 years together, most of them remotely. My other meaningful relationship began with an email; what started as a not-so-productive international business discussion transformed into a long-term penpal friendship filled with emotional intimacy when we could meet.

Map with gaming tokens, representing finding love in a dating site for gamers

In all these stories, a common line emerges, a simple recipe comprising five ingredients: an authentic teasing starter, a long-distance tag, digital communication, a lack of information, and plenty of space for imagination. To me, there is really no need to fret about the lack of offline interactions; virtual relationships can be exceptionally exciting, too.

Don't get me wrong: nothing rivals the joy of meeting someone in real life, the anticipation, the physical intimacy of eye contact, talk, touch, and energy—all part of the romantic communication toolbox.

However, offline rendezvous aren't always readily available. While we all yearn for that real-life connection, many of us lack the time for traditional socialising with the aim of perhaps meeting someone special. Work, now often 'from home', keeps us glued to screens. In this fast-paced world, we're told we can have it all, but the reality is that we spend most of our time attached to our digital devices. Work, play, and even searching for love and romance happen primarily through these screens and sometimes across great distances.

Today, I choose to be optimistic. Having romance online, at least initially or for some time later in a relationship, can offer emotional bonds that are just as strong and meaningful. Why?

Gamer in meditation pose, highlighting the emotional connection in dating sites for gamers

Falling For … Your Own Imagination and Digital Personas

However heartless it may sound, love and attachment are cerebral processes; they originate in our brains, not hearts. We get attracted, become attached, and even obsessed not exactly with other people, but rather with our imaginary narratives about those people. This phenomenon, driven by the intricate interplay of hormones in our brains, is well documented. 

How does Emotional Investment work, exactly? It’s all about Imagination in Relationships

When you encounter someone, you form initial impressions based on available cues: appearance, behaviours, the way they speak. These impressions act as a foundation for your imagination to get to work. Typically, you don't possess a complete dossier on someone you've just met. Gaps exist in the available information, and your imagination fills these voids. Your mind constructs assumptions and narratives based on this limited data, leading to a considerable emotional investment.

Next, your imagination projects your desires, hopes, and even romantic online connections onto that individual. You endow them with qualities that fit your ideal partner's profile. As you continue crafting these stories and fantasies in your mind, your emotional investment escalates, resulting in feelings of attraction, infatuation, or even love. Then, guided by what psychologists refer to as confirmation bias, you start interpreting information that validates these emotional bonds and imagined version of the individual.

Heart-shaped gaming icons symbolising love and dating for gamers

Taking it Digital: Authenticity in Online Dating and Emotional Intimacy

Let's extend this discussion to the realm of digital love. Online interactions lack physical and immediate sensory experiences, causing you to rely even more on your imagination. The information gaps during online communication are cavernous, especially since you're dealing with carefully curated digital personas rather than real people. This is particularly the case if you're using a gamer dating app, where avatars and usernames can be far from reflective of who someone truly is.

Initially, you project your desires and fantasies onto these online facades. Then, confirmation bias plays its role again, reinforcing your attachment as you cherry-pick details that align with your emotional investment. The digital world amplifies this effect by offering an escape from real-life concerns, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your emotional connection with someone, even if you've never met them.

As theories of attachment and emotional bonds suggest, we humans have an intrinsic need to connect. In the digital age, these connections occur not just physically but also through online safety in dating and virtual relationships. Lust is physical; connection is emotional. And as we now know, this connection can indeed be digital.

Loving couple at a desk with gaming setups, illustrating how to find a gamer girl for a meaningful connection

The Act And Choice of Becoming Someone’s Fantasy: Authenticity vs. Imagination

Understanding the mechanics of emotional intimacy and investment sets the stage for actionable insights. How do we leverage this understanding to forge meaningful connections, and more importantly, should we?

We're continually seeking that "ideal base" in someone that adequately nourishes our imagination. Our internal narratives are often more tangible to us than the person we project them onto. Given this, could choosing to be the fantasy for our partner, or they for us, become a modern-day "sixth love language?" This notion is more than mere romantic idealism. With conscious effort, it could contribute to the foundation of a robust relationship.

Time and Self-Understanding in Relationships

Fully comprehending another person—or even oneself—is a lifelong endeavour. The principle of "lack of information + workings of imagination" doesn't expire; it holds true from the outset and well into the relationship's maturity. In practice, this suggests a strategy: offer just enough information to stimulate your partner's imagination and foster emotional bonds. Avoid clichéd greetings like, "Hi! How are you?" in favour of more specific cues that ignite their unique fantasies.

Observational Skills and Emotional Resonance

Listen to your partner's compliments. They're not just ego-boosters; they're signposts pointing to what your partner finds appealing. If they like a particular quality, chances are they'd like to see more of it. And rest assured, you don't need to put on an act. If you've reached this stage, you already serve as a rich substrate for their imagination. By being authentically you, you're giving them exactly what they need.

However, let's be clear: people will perceive what they wish to perceive and discard the rest, just as you will. This selective attention highlights the complex interplay of emotional intelligence, fantasy, and reality in relationships.

Nuances and Complexity in Emotional Connections

While the power of imagination is undeniable, it doesn't provide a one-size-fits-all solution. Emotional connections range from shallow, fantasy-driven relationships to deeply meaningful, authentic bonds. Imagination plays a role in both, but the distinction lies in the level of emotional investment, shared experiences, and ultimately, the depth of connection.

How Do You Do This: Tips for Nurturing Online Intimacy

If you choose to be conscious and proactive, establishing and strengthening an intimate connection in an online relationship involves some specific strategies and practices. Remember, everything you do leaves some impression on your partner’s imagination. Make it a good one.

3 Main Principles:

  • Be Genuine: While people will see what they want to see, authenticity attracts those who will appreciate you for who you are—even if you serve as the foundation for their fantasies.
  • Be Honest: Transparency trumps deception. We're already experts at self-deception; there's no need to add layers. Communicate openly about your expectations, feelings, and intentions.
  • Be a Fantasy: Present your best self, the one you're most comfortable being. That way, you and your partner start off with a mutual admiration—of you.

11 Practical Tips:

  • 1. Initial Connection: Start building connection as early as possible. Use your dating profile to draw in like-minded individuals. State your interests and pose questions or scenarios that they'll find compelling.
  • 2. You have only one shot. Aim for the bullseye: Bypass the formalities. When the conversation starts, skip the niceties and ceremonies. Skip templates. Start the conversation with something you both may care about: comment on their profile, share your impressions of them, tell about your shared interests, ask a hooking question.
  • 3. Common Interests: Discuss hobbies or activities you both enjoy to build a sense of togetherness. Gaming is a perfect low-hanging fruit.
  • 4. Openly express Affection: With the absence of non-verbal cues, use explicit language and emojis to express your feelings and avoid misinterpretations. Otherwise, your partner will keep guessing, and exactly at this part their imagination is not always your friend. Everyone has doubts sometimes. Texts can easily be misinterpreted, if not written clearly and not coloured with the proper emojis.
  • 5. Keep it Playful: Maintain a playful and flirtatious atmosphere. Surprise your partner, joke, be creative with images and videos you share, and the ways you express your affections.
  • 6. Deep Dive: Share personal stories and engage in meaningful conversations to foster emotional intimacy.
  • 7. Get to Know Them: Take your time to understand your partner's interests and values, filling in the gaps naturally, without overwhelming each other with too much information. Do it slowly, sweetly, in style.
  • 8. Have projects or plans together, set future goals: Discussing future plans will feed both your imaginations and increase emotional investment. Make some plans for when you meet in person, talk about experiences you want to share, share your long-term aspirations, learn theirs. Even gaming together in campaigns or mmo’s can be ideal projects.
  • 9. Multi-channel Communication: At any later point in relationship, maintain a sense of closeness and intimacy using various channels of communication. This keeps your connection dynamic and vibrant: casual texting about small things, video calls, longer messages with your thoughts and impressions, actively follow each other on social media. The key is to adapt to the evolving nature of your connection and embrace every opportunity to connect, share, and grow together. Naturally this leans into gaming together.
  • 10. Memory Lane: Celebrate your online milestones and reflect on your shared history to create a stronger sense of intimacy. Recall who said what, recall and share how you felt - such reflections create sense of intimacy and togetherness.
  • 11. Virtual Physical Intimacy: Physical touch might be limited in a virtual setting, but creative alternatives like virtual hugs or romantic role-playing can fill the void. But perhaps one of the most immersive ways to experience virtual physical intimacy is through online gaming. MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games), multiplayer platforms, and even Virtual Reality (VR) environments present a compelling medium to foster a sense of closeness. Imagine going on a virtual date in a fantastical world, exploring together, and even partaking in collaborative tasks that require mutual trust and teamwork. These gaming experiences can serve as surrogates for real-world activities you might do as a couple, thus strengthening your emotional bonds.

By adhering to these tips, you'll be well on your way to establishing a robust, emotionally intimate online relationship.

Sunset backdrop with gaming elements, signifying the end of a successful virtual date on a video game dating app

4 Tips To Remember To Stay Safe:

  • Online safety is crucial. In the early stages of the relationship, be cautious about sharing personal information and photos. Verify the identity of your online partner if possible.
  • Prepare for Real-Life Meetings. If you plan to meet in person, take some basic precautions. Share your plans with a trusted friend, meet in a public place for the first time.
  • Trust Your Instincts. If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts, act accordingly.
  • Make a more conscious initial choice of a partner to base your imagination on. Do yourself, and ask them to do a psychological personality test, like Myers-Briggs or Enneagram. Read the descriptions of your personalities, read compatibility analysis. Any of these can give you a better understanding with whom you are building fantasies. And, again, it will give even more rather generalised but closer to their reality information and will feed your imaginations even better. 

And for the end, remember, however wonderful pictures your imagination creates and however much you want to dive into those exciting feelings of falling in love, you have to manage your expectations and approach the process with some grain of salt (aka critical thinking). Sometimes, imagination may play tricks on you. Online connections can be different from in-person ones. Be prepared for the possibility that your online relationship may evolve in unexpected ways when you meet face-to-face.

Happy dating! 😘😘😘

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