Factors of Relationship Development

To understand how relationships develop in gaming, it's important to first understand what factors generally contribute to relationship development. This video examines common reasons as to why we would want to develop a relationship with someone over another. Below is also a description of these factors and how they compare in an online gaming environment.

Appearance

There is no avoiding the fact that we judge people on their appearance. It plays a role in the earliest stage of relationship development. If we are attracted to someone, or find something interesting about them based on their physical appearance, we are more likely to approach them.

In gaming, the factor of appearance can be limited or manipulated. Users can identify as a character a part from themselves, or customize one to represent who they are in real-life.

Similarity

Having a sense of similarity grounds us in our own self-concept. Similarities in a relationship provide ease and comfort in development. In a gaming environment, users can be similar in their playing style, rankings, experience, etc.

Complimentary

We often form relationships based on admiration or respect of others. We might find someone who has a characteristic that we don't have, but having them around creates a sense of strength in the overall relationship.

A complimentary factor is important in gamer relationship development. In games that require group work, a strong team will hold members varying in skills that all compliment each other.

Rewards

While it may seem like a selfish approach, it is true that we seek benefits for the cost of investing time, emotion, and energy into a relationship. If there is more of a struggle in the upkeep in the relationship than there are benefits, we are more prompt to stop developing it.

Video games function on a system of challenge and rewards. In the context of gamer relationships, users could be more prompt to let go of a teammate if they're limiting others ability to move forward.

Competency

Similar to complimentary factors, we often will gravitate to people with admirable skills through a desire to improve ourselves. We hope that by spending time with someone who holds a skill we would like to have, it'll develop in ourselves, or we'll learn from that person. This can be exemplified in gaming through a user's desire to work with higher skilled players in order to better themselves.

Proximity

Regular, prolonged opportunities to develop relationships will lead to some form of comfortable connection. For example, many relationships are formed in grade school because there are day to day opportunities to comfortably interacts with others. Relationships in gaming environments can develop through long term interactions as well.

Disclosure

Sharing personal information with another develops trust and respect. However, disclosure is only beneficial if trust is reciprocated. If one shares private information, it is a sign that the other is able to disclose information confidently as well.

This factor of relationship development doesn't necessarily apply in a gaming environment because there is no need for it. Users play with structured goals in developing experience in the game.

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