Contrary to popular belief, gamers aren't dirty guys living in their moms' basements. Or at least, according to a recent study published in the US journal CyberPsychology and Behavior by researchers at Nottingham Trent University, those who indulge themselves in the vast worlds of MMORPGs aren't asocial.

Among 1,000 gamers who participated in the research, many from World of Warcraft, three in four could actually make good friends with people they meet online. Around half of them have engaged in offline meet-ups, while one in ten even developed relationships outside the virtual worlds they met in.

Furthermore, around 30% of online dwellers are infatuated or even in love with another player. Some 40% are able to discuss sensitive issues with online buddies when their real-life friends won't do. The study also added that 81% of online gamers play with real-life friends and family, contradicting the concept of gamers being introverted.

The study goes on, saying "MMORPGs are actually extremely social games, with high percentages of gamers making life-long friends and even partners." It's worth noting that gamers involved in the study only played an average of 22.85 hours weekly. Some hardcore players who refuse to leave their machines may have been excluded.

Nottingham Trent University professor Mark Griffiths was quoted saying:

The virtual world that these games offer, allow players to express themselves in ways they may not feel comfortable doing in real life because of their appearance, gender, sexuality, age, or other factors. They also offer a place where teamwork, encouragement and fun can all be experienced.